Chili Macaroni Casserole

Today we have chili weather.

No, that's not a typo. I awoke this morning feeling a chill in the air, and knowing that despite the calendar, it is no longer Summer. This is exactly the type of day for chili. But it's also a day in which I have, at last count, 101 things to accomplish. So I'm going to rely on my pantry and prepare a casserole for our evening meal that has been a hit with my kids since they were little.

Carb Diva's Chili Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 one-pound package macaroni (my kids love the kind shaped like wagon wheels)
• 2 15-ounce cans chili (use whichever type is your favorite)
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 cups crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and place in large mixing bowl. Gently stir in chili, salsa, 1 cup of the cheese, and the crushed tortilla chips.
3. Spray a large cooking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread macaroni/chili mixture in dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
4. Bake uncovered about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

NOTE: You can omit the salsa if you prefer a less spicy meal. This is also a great place to "hide" additional vegetables--corn, cooked carrots, or diced zucchini.

Stuffed ("Kicked up a notch") French Toast

I know it's been a while since I've posted. A long-anticipated camping trip (and preparing for said trip) have kept me away. We returned home this afternoon after spending most of the week at an annual church camp out.

Once a year for the past 15 years our church has reserved a U.S. Forest Service campground near a river just east of the Cascade Mountains. When we first began this tradition, most of us were "tenters", but as the years have passed (and our backs have aged) the majority now arrive in trailers, RV's or 5th-wheels. In the morning the first ones up prepare coffee and visit each campsite offering a hot cup of joe and a warm "good morning". In the afternoons we swim, hike, fish, and do "a whole lot of nuthin" together. There is usually a group campfire in the evening where memories are shared, and stories are told and re-told. The week culminates with a Saturday scavenger hunt, a potluck, and then Sunday morning worship service near the edge of the river.

Now, if you know anything about Forest Service campgrounds, you'll recognize that we were not exactly living the life of luxury this past week. No electricity, no showers, pit toilets, and (as we jokingly say) running water only if you can move that quickly with a full bucket. We ate well but not exactly gourmet. So, in between making PBJ's for lunch and grilling hot dogs or turkey burgers for dinner, I dreamed about food--amazing, decadent, imaginative food.

My daydreams started the way we should start each day--with a good breakfast. I've never cared much for pancakes or waffles. Both tend to get rather boring after a few bites. But french toast is a different story--crisp on the outside, soft and almost custard-like on the inside. So, what could I do to make it even better? I've seen recipes for stuffed french toast, most of them involving cream cheese and/or mascapone. In the words of Emeril, I'd like to kick it up a notch. What about brie? Is there anything more deliciously self-indulgent?

Carb Diva's French Toast with Brie

Ingredients

• 1 baguette
• 3 ounces brie, chilled for easier slicing
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, divided
• fruit topping (see below)

Instructions

1. Slice the baguette on the diagonal (this gives you larger slices of bread), making the slices about 1 1/2 inches thick. Discard the ends or save for another use.
2. With a sharp knife, cut a slit in the bottom (crust) side of each slice. Slice the chilled brie into small wedges, about 1/4-inch thick and 1-inch square. Stuff one wedge of brie into each slice of baguette.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and salt with a wire whisk until well blended. Dip the baguette slices into the milk/egg mixture, turning to coat both cut sides.
4. Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp. of the butter; as it melts tilt the pan to coat the bottom. Add as many of the baguette slices as will fit in the pan without crowding. Cook until golden brown on one side (about 2 minutes). Turn over and cook the other side until brown. Remove from pan and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining butter and baguette slices.

Fruit Topping
There are so many things that could be done with this recipe, depending on what seasonal fruits are available. In late Spring I would choose strawberries--slice, sprinkle on a bit of sugar and let sit for a few minutes until juices begin to form.

In summer one could do the same with fresh raspberries or blackberries.

However, my favorite fruit with brie is apples or pears, pared, cored, and thinly sliced, sprinkled with sugar and a generous amount of cinnamon. Let sit for about 30 minutes then place in a small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until apples or pears begin to soften and juices become syrupy.

Baguettes and brie--could french toast be any more "French" than that? Ooh-la-la!!

Kahlua Cocoa Balls

It's time for a serious talk. Just between you and me. I have never made this recipe. I don't even know where I originally found it. The magazine clipping is taped to an index card, and that card is showing its age. But it sounds so good, and easy, and I think it would be a wonderful thing to make for your sweetheart. Would one of you give it a try and let me know if it's a "keeper"?

Kahlua Cocoa Balls

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Kahlua
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup chopped candied cherries
• 1/3 cup chopped golden raisins
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 cups fine vanillla wafer crumbs
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coconut or ground nuts for decoration

Instructions

Combine Kahlua with syrup and fruits. Blend sugar, cocoa, crumbs, and pecans. Combine mixtures. Shape into small balls. Roll in desired coating. Freeze or store in an airtight container. 

Makes 4 dozen.

Photo Credit: Image by Daniel Dan outsideclick from Pixabay 

White Bean Rosemary Soup (So easy I can do this with my eyes closed)

OK, this has been a  r-e-a-l-l-y busy day. I need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. I'm tired, I'm hungry, and even pancakes feels like too much work right now. And, I need to give you a soup recipe, don't I? So what am I going to do? ...You'll have to trust me on this one. It's good!!:

White Bean Rosemary Soup

Ingredients

2 16-ounce cans white beans, drained
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup of your favorite marinara (red) pasta sauce
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Instructions

Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into a large saucepan or Dutch oven and bring to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered and stirring frequently, to blend flavors, 4 to 5 minutes.

Serves 4

Photo Credit: Image by piyalis14 from Pixabay