The Better "Instant" Mac & Cheese in a Mug

I honestly have no idea why I didn't think of this earlier. Mac & Cheese made in a mug and prepared in the microwave is about as genius as peanut butter filled pretzels. Currently my oven/stove is broken, and until my mom can make up her mind on which model she wants cooking is no easy endeavor. Lack of an oven has forced me into eating plenty of raw veggies, but I can only take so much before I go crazy. This recipe is SO easy anyone (even college students in a dorm) can make it. 

 

  

I particularly like this recipe because a) it doesn't come out of a box or use mysterious cheese powder and b) it makes only one serving so eating five servings temptation is automatically eliminated (or at least severely reduced). 

  

The Better Sophisticated Mac & Cheese

The funny thing about being a person who's frequently in the kitchen trying new recipes is that people expect me to be some kind of Wolfgang Puck. The truth is my taste buds have not matured much since the days of Lunchables and corn dogs in third grade. While I try to find recipes that are new and refreshing, most of them are pretty simple in technique and don't require an array of ingredients. With the exception of Go-Gurt, my favorite foods have remained the same; I have just stepped up the presentation. This recipe is not as easy as your out-of-the box Kraft variety, but I promise you it is well worth the trouble. 

The Better Wish (That Won't Come True)

Sometimes I really wish there was a way to prepare a plate for each and every one of my readers. I don't know how it would work; maybe you would click a button and next to your keyboard a little takeout box containing food from my kitchen would appear. This desire of mine always creeps up when I prepare something especially delicious, and last weekends dinner was one of those occasions. 

An herb roasted chicken, asparagus, and mashed potatoes may not seem like anything particularly special, and for the most part it's not. However, I have perfected the method for cooking poultry, and I am dying to share it with the world. 

Directions

1. Marinate chicken overnight in favorite marinade, making sure to puncture the breast for thorough flavoring.

2. Stuff chicken with an onion or apple (something that has a good amount of moisture).

3. Put chicken on its breast then wrap pan with plastic cling wrap, then wrap with a layer of foil.

4. Bake chicken.

5. 30-45 minutes before chicken is finished cooking remove from oven and flip on back.

6. Remove foil and plastic wrap, and allow it to brown in the oven for the remaining cook time.

{Sauteing asparagus}

{The dinner table}

{Garlic, parmesan mashed potatoes}

{Backyard garden}

The Better Artichoke Spinach Dip

Saturdays in my household are known for being filled with good food, lots of TV and board games (if my dad feels up for getting beaten by me). This week I adjusted a recipe from Real Simple, and made this scrumptious artichoke spinach dip. It goes perfectly with homemade, (or store-bought) toasted French bread. This recipe will forever hold a place in the Party Recipes file on my computer. 

{Ready for the Oven}

{On a toasted slice of baguette}