Let’s Just Talk About Cheese

I can’t even tell you how many blog posts I’ve cried over lately. Some of the bloggers are friends of mine and others are complete strangers. The stories they’ve shared are real, true and honest about the toughest times in their lives – the most heart breaking moments of loss and tragedy. I’m sure you’ve read some of these posts too.

I am so thankful for ICMB and City Moms Blog Network. This amazing group is just what moms need. It is a place to share real life and connect with other women. We all have different stories to tell and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I admire the brave ones who share the toughest stuff that life has thrown at them.

It would be really nice if tragedy would give us all a break. It should take a vacation and leave people alone for awhile. Or, for forever.

I’d like to put my family in a bubble to protect us all from the big scary world. But, I don’t think my husband would let me do that. And I know that’s impossible. We need to live our lives to the fullest and battle any challenges that are given to us.

Since I don’t think I can handle crying again today, the rest of this post is going to be about cheese. That’s right! Cheese!

{Cue Forest Gump voice now!} Sliced cheese, shredded cheese, yellow cheese, white cheese, wheel of cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, string cheese, grilled cheese, Parmesan cheese, cheesy eggs, cheese pizza, mac and cheese….

All this cheese is pretty standard at my house. A certain 3 year old loves his cheese.

I try to be a “good” mom and give him variety in his diet. I think I’m doing pretty well with that. We’ve got 13 different cheese options on that list! If you’re going through or have been through the toddler years, I’m guessing you can relate to the particular eating habits of this age group.

Oh, that boy is a creature of habit. String cheese is one of his favorite snacks. We should buy stock in it. And if I want him to eat something, it helps to put a bit of shredded cheese on top. It doesn’t matter what it is, add some cheese and the chances of the food getting eaten automatically rise.

Right now we’re on a month long kick of peaches and cream oatmeal for breakfast. {See, I do feed him something other than cheese!} The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, though. I’ve eaten the same raspberry Greek yogurt every morning for… as long as I can remember.

I’m also a sucker for suggestion. If someone mentions something that sounds yummy, I have to have it. If you’re like me, after reading this post, you are probably going on a mission for a cheese snack.

Well, you’re in luck! I’ve got the ultimate cheese indulgence for you – Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese. This is cold weather comfort food at its finest. {Who am I kidding?! I make it in the summer too!}

Your little mac and cheese addicts might give you a funny look since this dish is not from the blue and yellow box. Once you convince them to try just one bite, I’m guessing you’ll be hearing “mmmmm yummy!” Last night, I even had to dish out a second helping.

Baked Mac & Cheese from Food.com

Ingredients:

1 – 16 ounce box pasta noodles

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

8 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese (I used mozzarella instead)

4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil large pot of water. Add noodles and cook according to package directions. {I under cook by a couple minutes since noodles are baked too.} When done, drain pasta.

3. Poor noodles into a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Mix in heavy cream. Add in half of each of the cheeses and mix together. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the rest of the cheese to the top.

4. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

It’s time to whip up some of this yummy cheesy goodness for dinner.  Gather your loved ones and enjoy!

Thanks for letting me ramble on about cheese today. Friends, give me a call if you need a, “forget about the world, lets just talk about cheese,” kind of day, and I’ll bring the mac! {And just so you know, if it’s one of the tough, real life days, call me and I’ll bring the mac then too!}