Cornbread

My grandmother was a great, true southern cook. She passed away a little over a year ago and I still have urges to call her to tell her about my newest cooking adventure. Tonight was one of those nights.
I was able to have many of my Grandma's cooking tools. Tonight I used her cast iron skillet to make this corn bread. I have never cooked with a cast iron skillet and I was excited to try something new.
I made chili for dinner tonight and decided to make cornbread to go with it. I had some buttermilk to use up so I searched on allrecipes.com. This was a simple recipe and the cornbread came out great. Really moist and sweet.

Buttermilk Corn Bread Recipe
Source: All Recipes

1 1/4 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
1.In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugars, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour into a greased 9-in. round or square baking pan (pan will be full). Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Serve warm

Parmesan Orzo

I am always on the search for side dishes besides our usual corn or green beans.

This orzo was simple and delicious which made it perfect to add to out list of sides.

Source:

Loves to Eat

3 tbs butter

1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta

1-1/2 cans (14.5 ounce) chicken broth

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup and 2 tablesoons chopped fresh basil

salt and pepper to taste

3 tbs chopped fresh basil

Directions:

Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.

Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

Mix in parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfew to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.

Macaroni and Cheese

I love macaroni and cheese! I have found some great recipes for it lately and now this recipe will be added to the bunch! I got this recipe from this site. I have gotten some other great recipes from this site as well so be sure to check it out!

Ingredients:( I cut this in half)
2 cups shredded mild cheddar,
2 cups shredded colby jack blend,
1 cup medium (or sharp) cheddar,
2 cups shredded velveeta or the small box/8 oz of large box,
1 box elbow macaroni (or noodle of choice),
4 eggs,
3 cups whole milk,
1 cup heavy cream (1/2 pint),
1/2 stick of butter,
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, set out and spray w/ non-stick spray a 13x9 inch pan that is at least 3-4 inches deep (or use several smaller round pans to share with others or save for later)

Step 1: Boil noodles as directed on package until just undercooked, quick drain- rinse- shake, set aside for later
Step 2: Mix eggs, milk, cream and salt and pepper, whisk until well blended.
Step 3: In a bowl combine the three types of shredded cheese; 2 cups mild cheddar, 2 cups colby jack and 1 cup medium/sharp cheddar
and mix
Step 4: In a greased 9x13 inch pan (at least 3-4 inches deep) pour 1/2 of milk mixture in bottom of pan.
Step 5: Add a layer of noodles, salt and pepper
Step 6: Top noodles with cheese and mix cheese up a little w/ noodles
Step 7: Add slices of velveeta over shredded cheese
Step 8: Repeat steps 5-7 (noodles, cheese, cheese- salt and pepper)
Step 9: When both layers are complete, poke holes through the top layer and pour rest of milk mixture over the remaining noodles and cheese.
Step 10: Melt 1/2 stick of butter (or more!) and pour over the top of the dish. Salt and pepper.
Step 11: Cover tightly with foil and bake in oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 5-10 more minutes more or until golden. Let stand for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

Macaroni and Cheese

Chad and I had some friends over recently for a cookout. I found this macaroni recipe and decided to try it out. It was such an easy recipe and required very few ingredients!! I will definitely be using this recipe from now on!

I found this recipe on this blog.INGREDIENTS

1 16 ounce box of pasta (cooked)
16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces
16 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 stick (or more) Butter/margarine, separate into quarters, cut into small pieces
Milk (about a cup)
Salt and pepper (to your taste)

DIRECTIONS

In the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish spread a quarter of your butter.

Layer down half your pasta, a quarter of butter pieces, salt and pepper, half the Monterey jack add half the Velveeta.

Repeat above step.

Top with the last quarter of your butter pieces and evenly pour milk over the top.

Bake on 325 for about an hour. It will be nice and bubbly and little brown in some spots.