Good Eats and a Wish

I'm a bit tardy in posting the New Years Day food fest we hosted in our home.  Not a huge party, but a simple small luncheon for 8 of our family.


Our table setting in a casual, neutral palette.



No wine glasses here... just sparkling punch for drinks (which I neglected to photograph!)



A prime rib roast was the star of the show.  I'm of the "low and slow" school of roasting meat.  325 degrees Farenheit, 15 minutes for every 1/2 pound or until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees for medium rare.  Mashed potatoes with buckets of gravy, mushrooms, onions on the side.  And a light corn salad (another thing I forgot to photograph before it was all gone!)

 

Best things last... brownies with peanut butter chips for dessert

 

And peppermint bark...oh how I could devour tins of this stuff

We also served a large tray of crackers topped with sour cream and caviar, a lovely luxurious gift sent by a friend which we shared with our loved ones.  Another thing I didn't have a chance to photograph because they were gone in 10 seconds flat.  Come to think of it, that was pretty much how it all was.  Spent 5 hours in the kitchen preparing and cooking, food on the table by 12 noon.  Said Grace and by 12:20 everything was pretty much inhaled off the plates.  Done before I could even say "Bon Appetit."

We are grateful for our bounty and can't help but think of those who are experiencing deep challenges right now.  Prayers for our friends who have loved ones deployed in dangerous parts of the world.  We also send our wishes of hope and faith to those who are struggling right now to sustain their families and keep food on the table.

I hope you experience all that you wish for this new year :-)

Comfort

This was one of those lazy comfy weekends spent in the kitchen.  And nothing says comfort food more than Mac 'n Cheese.  Here's my easy-peasy recipe:

Easy Mac 'n Cheese
1 pkg macaroni, cooked and drained
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 stick of butter
Shredded cheese of your choice

While your macaroni is draining in the colander, heat the tomato sauce and butter in the same pot you boiled the pasta.  Once the butter is melted, turn off the heat.  Add the mac and toss to coat.  Add the shredded cheese, saving some to sprinkle on top.  Toss again.  Pour into a 13 x 9 baking dish sprayed with Pam or your favorite cooking spray.  Sprinkle cheese on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.  The cheese should be nice and toasted at this point.

Bon appetit!