Cheesy Carrot Casserole

This is another recipe my Gramma has made since forever. I think some version of this recipe has been made in households across America. It's awesome. Even my picky, non veggie eating little brother eats this.

• 3 cans of carrots
• 1 (8 oz) package velveeta cheese, sliced
• 1 stick margarine, melted
  
• Ritz crackers, crumbled

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spray casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.
3. Alternate layers of carrots and cheese in the casserole dish, ending with a layer of cheese.
4. Pour melted margarine over the top.
5. Sprinkle top with crushed Ritz crackers.
   
6. Bake for 30-45 mins.
   

Pineapple Marshmallow Fruit Salad

My Gramma has made this recipe for years and years. It's super simple and just so good. Nice and light. Perfect as a side item to take to a potluck.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag miniature marshmallows
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed pineapple UNDRAINED
• 1 tub cool whip

Directions:

1. Mix marshmallows and pineapple together in large bowl.
   
2. Refrigerate until the marshmallows have absorbed the pineapple juice, preferably overnight.
3. Mix in cool whip and serve.
   
4. Can be refrigerate for a couple of hours after mixing in cool whip, but it's not necessary.
   

Pepper Jack Macaroni & Cheese

**This was sooo easy and super yummy! I didn't measure out the cheese just kind of eye balled it so I may have added just a bit more! It wasn't spicy at all and my 10 month old devoured it! This will be made again when we want a twist on our mac and cheese. This recipe can be found on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.**

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb elbow macaroni ( I used gluten free pasta)
• 3 eggs
• 1 can (12 ounce) evaporated milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to directions.
2. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, and cayenne pepper. Stir in cheese.
3. Add cooked pasta and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.
4. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and enjoy!

The result:

Chili Cheese Potato Bake

Ok so I suck again and forgot to take pics and we already ate the whole pan so if you want to check this out go to Lynn's Kitchen Adventures to see what its suppose to look like but I think you'll get the general idea. This was actually very yummy, super easy, and very budget friendly. You could also fix it many ways as well! I just followed the recipe as is and am very happy with the turn out. It was like eating a yummy baked potato.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 cups of leftover chili ( any chili will work here)
• frozen shredded hash browns , I do not really measure this but it is about 3-4 cups
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions:

1. Spread Chili into a 9×11 or 9×13 pan.
2. Spread hash browns over chili. Then sprinkle cheese over potatoes.
3. Bake uncovered at 375 for 40-50 minutes or until done.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pie

This recipe is from allrecipes.com. Holy wow. Unbelievably rich and chocolatey. I served it with fresh whipped cream. Easy and so good.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 (9 inch) chocolate cookie crumb crust

Directions:

1. In microwave safe dish, combine chocolate chips and 1/2 of the heavy cream. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Cool to room temperature. (edit: Stir in sugar & vanilla. Set aside.)
2. In small bowl, beat the rest of the cream until soft peaks form. Beat in chocolate mixture on high speed 1/3 at a time until thoroughly incorporated. Pour into crust.
3. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Whip heavy whipping cream on high with chilled beaters until it begins to thicken.
2. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla and beat until soft peaks form.

New Blogger! Exciting News!

Hey All!!

I'm excited to introduce to you a new poster on my recipe blog! Woohoo!! It means more yummy new recipes for everyone to try!! I know I know how excited you all are cause I sure know I am!! 

This other blogger well I've known her for a very long time ya'll! Over 20 years! I can't even believe I can say I've known someone that long boy does it make me feel old, but we've been friends for pretty much as long as I care to remember and let me tell you she is one good cook and baker! We use to bake our little hearts out growing up and boy did everyone enjoy that. I will admit she can make a bundt cake and it is still my Achilles heal...won't come out of the pan taste like poo so if you see me post about that run far far away from that recipe but if Jen makes it you can bet your sweet ass that it will come out super yummy!! Jen is an amazing with the things she makes so rest assured if she says its yummy or will turn out one way that it will. 

Trust me fatties like me don't have BFFs that can't cook! I hope ya'll enjoy the new addition and to the many new recipes to come! 

And if you haven't already noticed she is already on a roll just look below this post for a few new recipes! I can't wait to try them either! 

My friend Jen and yes I know I look crazy but I'm totally ok with it and yes Peanut does adore her!

The last time I saw her in person can't believe its been almost a year! And yes for those of you wondering I would allow her to babysit my son and if you know me that is a major thing!!

French Bread (bread machine recipe)

I love this recipe. SO GOOD. I could eat it all in one day. Hope you love it as much as I do!

In Bread Machine:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp dry yeast

Set for "dough cycle".

1. Dough may be halved for two loaves, or you can just make one big loaf.
2. Roll dough out on floured surface into a rectangle, then roll it up to make a loaf.
3. Slit top of loaf with a sharp non-serrated knife, about 1" apart.
4. Place on greased baking sheet and let rise 1 hour in warm room.
5. Brush on egg wash and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 mins.