Side Dish Tuesday

Not sure about the rest of you but I know after last nights episode I need just a little TLC.  So I kept it kind of simple for today's reboot side dish I pulled out the comfort card.  

They say that comfort food could make you fat, I can guarantee it will make you happy. Can you believe they have actually researched this and comfort food can make some people feel less lonely, wait we needed scientists to tell us that, really?  Formost of us, these foods are far from gourmet and generally characterize homecooking. They summon feelings of reminiscence, security, and sanctuary.

You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Unknown

It is times like this when sometimes maybe you just need a hug from someone special, and a smile from a friend.  That is comfort, that is what make many of us happy, and pulls us through.  "And I can't ask for things to be still again No I can't ask if I could walk through the world in your eyes Longing for home again Home, is a feeling I buried in you I'm alright,  I'm alright It only hurts when I breathe I'm alright, I'm alright It only hurts when I breathe" ~Melissa Etheridge Breathe.


Let’s face it after a big hug likethat you would never make the Monkey a giant plate of asparagus, but maybe justmaybe a you need to make her a big bowl of macaroni and cheese.  I have a present for you, but I need to borrow your arms for wrapping paper. ~Unknown 


Foods likethis seem to have supernatural properties as they have the ability to remedy anythingregardless of how bad the situation may have been.

BakedMacaroni and Cheese

1 1/2 cupsuncooked elbow macaroni

2tablespoons butter

2tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cupmilk

1 cuphalf-and-half

1/4teaspoon paprika

1/2teaspoon pepper

2 1/2 cupsshredded Cheddar cheese, divided

salt

•       3 tablespoons butter
•       1 cup panko bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350°. 
2. Cook macaroniin boiling salted water according to package directions; drain well and setaside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Blend inflour, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk andhalf-and-half. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens,about 2 to 3 minutes. Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat.
3.  Remove from heat and add paprika, pepper, and 2 cups ofthe cheese; stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Combine sauce withthe macaroni and add salt to taste. Place in a buttered 1 1/2-quart casseroledish. Garnish top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and dot with additionalbutter. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes. 

Serves 4 to 6.