More comfort

Foods that stick to your tummy make you feel full, and in the end, content. I'm not the type of person who regrets eating a good meal because it'll increase the number on the scale by a few pounds. I say it was worth it and increase the number of minutes on the treadmill the next day.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 cups flours
3 tbs. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk, chilled
1/2 cup shortening

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees [F].
Mix dry ingredients. Rub shortening into dry mixture using your fingers until the mixture resembles crumbs. Make a well in the center of your bowl and pour buttermilk. Stir until dough comes together (will be sticky).
On a floured surface, fold dough over 5-6 times.Gently pat dough out to 1/2 inch-1 inch thickness, Cut out 2-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or a homemade version (I recycled a washed aluminum can). Place on a baking sheet so that they are slightly touching. Brush tops with melted butter or cream to add a glossy finish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Fried Chicken Strips

I marinaded some chicken breasts cut into strips in buttermilk overnight. The following day I drained the excess buttermilk and coated the wet chicken with seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika). I dipped the chicken in a dry mixture of flour and plain bread crumbs (equal parts). Be careful when frying in hot oil because any bit of water that comes in contact with sizzling oil will cause harmful splashes! These strips take only but a few minutes to cook on each side so you can eat them almost right away.

Nothing like a "first post"

I'm ready to divulge my unrestrained addiction to food --cooking, baking, eating, and all. Spending time with my ultimate love, the kitchen, gives me the most pleasurable sensation attainable (and that's an understatement). The kitchen appliances shyly hidden in the cabinets may seem unnecessary but they actually enhance the intimacy factor. With that said, you can take away the fancy gadgets and I'll still be content. It's better to be bare and honest with your lover anyway. My intent with this first post is to give a taste of my unsullied passion for making food and sharing it with others. It seems only appropriate that my first post include one of the joys of mornings (very few for me since I'm definitely NOT a morning person), aside from the gentle kiss of sunshine on your face.


French Toast Bliss



Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. sugar
3/4 cup milk
a pinch of ground nutmeg
2 slices thick white bread
a pinch of salt

Directions:
Whisk the egg, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, salt, and milk until light and frothy. Heat butter on a frying pan. Place a slice of bread into the mixture and let it soak for a minute. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with preferred choice of syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar (optional).



And also... what makes you think comfort food more than classic Mac N' Cheese? Nothing I can think of at the moment.



Mac N' Cheese for the Soul

Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz.) elbow macaroni
2 tbs. butter
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
**topping:
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbs. butter
reserved cheddar cheese from above

Directions:
Prepare pasta as instructed. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees [F]. Melt butter in a sauce pan and whisk in flour. Once the consistency is smooth and lump-free, gradually whisk in milk. Cook until sauce thinkens. Then turn off the heat and stir in salt & pepper, 1 cup cheese, and red pepper flakes (if mild heat desired). Mix with the pasta well. Pour pasta mixture into a well-greased pan. Liberally sprinkle remaining cheese and bread crumbs (mixed with butter) on top. Bake at 350 degrees [F] for 25-30 minutes.