Seafood Mac & Cheese

OK FRIENDS!!  a few of you have asked me to post the way I prepare my Seafood Mac & Cheese. This is a dish my entire family enjoys. I do not make it often, but BABY! when I do it goes in a flash and usually, I have to make a lot of it in hopes of having leftovers and even that doesn't work out so well. We just keep coming back until the last bite is gone.

We used to have mac & cheese as a side dish like most Black families do, but I noticed that in many restaurants and in a lot of family's mac & cheese is the main meal.  I decided that if I do that, I could make more of it.  To keep our favorite dish interesting, I decided to incorporate more into it such as chicken and broccoli, peas and carrots and corn. The best I could have ever done was to put Crabmeat and Shrimp, in this dish. Well, the family lost their minds, they just couldn't get enough, I had to make twice as much to satisfy everyone.

I realized that the magic was in the sauce, the taste changes when you use, Gouda, Asiago, Colby jack, Velveta or/and mild Cheddar and so many other cheeses.  I also make a roux first then I stir in Half and Half instead of milk sometimes a little Heavy cream. Sometimes I mince up a little onion and all of this gives this a taste that is addictive, you just can't get enough. 

Oh, and before I forget the seasonings to use are your favorite seafood seasonings or what I use is Old Bay this goes well with Crab meat and all seafood in general. I also use salt and black pepper to taste. After I get all my ingredients together, I would preheat my oven to 350degreese and let bake for about 45 minutes until the edges begin to bubble this indicates that it is done, the cheese may get slightly brown also. remove from oven let stand for about 10 minutes, plate up and enjoy with your best garden salad or whatever side dish you like. I hope this has given you an idea as to what else you can do with Man&Cheese

SPINACH AND VIDALIA ONION DIP

 HELLO!!!!!! Friends: Recently I attend a Meet and Greet. I was undecided as to what I should bring, everyone was bring something, I thought to bring some BBQ chicken or some Buffalo Wings.  I soon decided against that because, it was hot, and no one wants to eat sticky food when the weather is hot. Then I thought to make a nice garden salad, but I thought, there would be plenty of garden salads, then I had an ah ha! moment and decided on a Spinach Onion DIP and serve it with cucumbers, radishes and sweet peppers:

I was so pleased at the way it came out and that the colors were perfect and Summery.  I knew that everyone would love to munch on this refreshing and satisfying appetizer. This Dip was such a hit that I want to share it.  The recipe is so simple especially if you have a food processor it only takes about 20 minutes.  You can prepare it a day or two ahead, giving the seasoning time to incorporate throughout the dish.

Baby Spinach

sour Cream

Vidalia Onions

Chives

Sweet peppers

Cucumbers

Radishes

Black pepper

minced carrots

To give this dip, extra flavor you can incorporate a vegetable soup mix, this is optional. All you have to do is chop up your onions and spinach.  For a smooth consistency I sauteed my spinach and onions until soft. I used the sweet peppers, radishes and cucumbers to dip instead of chips.

I promise everyone will be pleased with this light, healthy summer dish. Make this Dip for your family or just for yourself, no occasion necessary, just relax and enjoy!!