Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

So, this Mac and cheese is amazing.  And it has bacon in it, which really makes it a favorite at our house. It can be a side or a main dish depending on what kind of meal you are going for. 

1 16 oz. pkg. macaroni

1 Tbsp. Canola oil

9 Tbsp. Melted butter

1/2 cup shredded or cubed Muenster cheese

2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese

8 oz. Velveeta

1 pkg. bacon

1 1/2 cup half and half 

Salt and pepper

Cook bacon well. Cool and crumble. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook macaroni in large pot with the oil and slightly salted water until al dente according to the package directions.  Don't overcook or it will be mushy. Drain well and return to pot. Mix in butter.  Mix together all the cheeses in a large bowl.  Grease a 3 quart baking dish.   

Spread a layer of macaroni in the dish, sprinkle on some bacon, lightly salt and pepper, and spread on some of the cheese mixture.  Repeat until all ingredients are gone.  Usually around 3 times.  Slowly pour the half and half over the entire dish.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Tin Roof Dessert

This is a family favorite that Tim brought to the marriage.  I think I might be my dad's favorite child every time I make it.  It is a delicious ice cream cake.

1 pkg. Oreo cookies, crushed
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 gallon vanilla (or whatever flavor you are in the mood for) ice cream in rectangular brick packaging
1 can Hershey's hot fudge sauce
1 can honey roasted peanuts
1 12 oz. container Cool Whip

Crush package of Oreo cookies.  Mix together melted butter and crushed cookies.  Press into a greased 9x13 pan.  Slice the brick of ice cream into long strips and press together on top of crust. Warm hot fudge sauce a minute in the microwave, stir, and spread evenly over the ice cream. Sprinkle the nuts over the hot fudge.  Put in freezer to harden.  When solid, spread the cool whip over the top and sprinkle with extra cookie crumbs or chocolate sprinkles.  Needs to freeze for 2-3 hours.

Cupcake, cake, or cookie frosting

This is a great all-purpose frosting that can work for almost anything.  Including just whipping up a batch to smear on some graham crackers. Which I have done with my kids.  They thought it was such a fun treat and sooo easy!

1/2 cup softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp. Whipping cream or half and half
Pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients and stir with a fork until most of the powdered sugar is mixed in.  Then use an electric hand mixer until it is smooth and forms peaks.  If it is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.  If it is too stiff, add a little more cream.  To make different favors: add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or to make chocolate add 3-4 Tbsp. Cocoa

Brown Bag Apple Pie

This pie is probably my most favorite pie.  Ever. Of all time. Amen. It has an amazing topping that is more like a cookie than a streusel.  Serve it topped with vanilla ice cream...yum.

4-5 large Granny Smith apples
2 Tbsp. Flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. nutmeg

Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup butter

Make single pie shell for 9 inch pie.

Place sliced and peeled apples in a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 Tbsp. Flour, and nutmeg.  Sprinkle over the apples and toss to coat well.  Put the apple mixture in the prepared pie pan.  Combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping in a medium bowl.  Cut the cold butter into the mixture and sprinkle over apples evenly.  Slide pie into a large brown paper bag (regular grocery bag) fold the end of the bag and fasten with staples or metal paper clips.  Place on a cookie sheet.  Put oven rack on the second level from the bottom.  Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour.  Split bag open; remove pie and cool completely on a trivet. Serve alone or with whipped cream/ice cream for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. :)