A Cook's Quest

I don't think I can ever get tired of pasta with cream sauce.  Even on a hot summer day, I can devour a warm, saucy, creamy, cheesy, bowl of pasta.  It is comfort food for me and love trying different variations.  This recipe is ideal, I think anyway, because it can be made ahead and the end result is still the same--a delicious pasta nestled in cheesy cream sauce with bites of tender chicken, crisp broccoli and sweet tomatoes from my garden. Definitely go try this soon, and I would recommend doubling the recipe so you have one for the freezer too.  Enjoy! I'm linking this recipe go check out all the other great recipes people are posting! Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and  Mozzarella Recipe Source: Modified slightly from Mel's Kitchen Cafe *Note from Mel: See the asterisk below the recipe for make-ahead directions. Serves 6-8 Topping: 3/4 cup bread crumbs (store-bought or make your own) 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1...

I am a huge fan of casseroles.  Not only are they a simple way to stretch your food budget but they are tasty, easy to prepare, and most store wonderfully in the freezer for future meals.  Last weekend I made a ham for dinner knowing that it would provide at least three to four meals for my family.  Typically I make a scalloped potato type of dish with bits of ham scattered through out, but this time I wanted something a little different.  I found this casserole recipe and knew it would be great.  Some of my favorite ingredients are matched up, baked together and served as a warm, cheesy, flavorful casserole. Because casseroles are so versatile, you can take this recipe and mix things up a bit.  Use a different cheese, use turkey instead of chicken, or add some steamed veggies.  Anyway you do it, I think everyone in your house will love it. 

There is nothing like a delicious hot breakfast. During the school year, I am lucky enough that I don’t have to worry about my kids eating breakfast because they eat at school. Then summer rolls around and I realize that I either have to get up earlier in order to make breakfast for the three little darlings, or I have to make sure we pack a breakfast to take along to daycare. Some mornings it’s option one, but most mornings we end up taking breakfast along with us. In an attempt to find an easier solution I stumbled upon this recipe for baked French toast that was easy, tasty, and didn’t cause too much disruption to my morning sleep. Baked French toast in my opinion is very much like bread pudding. This one is layered with apples and lots of cinnamon sugar creating a decadent hot breakfast, which everyone in the family loves. The little pieces of apple stayed a little bit firm adding some crunch to the moist, fluffy French bread that soaked up all that egg and cream overnight and...