COOKING THURSDAY ~ SHEET PAN MAC & CHEESE with CRISPY EDGES ~ BLOG 365.120A

Mac and cheese HAS to be creamy AND have crispy edges for my family!!! I’ve found THE best way to accomplish this is to use a deep jelly roll baking sheet. That way everyone gets the best of both worlds. I keep trying to reinvent this recipe and think I’m FINALLY there!

The other MAJOR requirement is to use FRESH grated cheeses for the BEST results!

SHEET PAN MAC & CHEESE with CRISPY EDGES – SERVES 8

1 pound elbow macaroni or shells
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
2 cups WHOLE milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced into paste
1 medium shallot, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
FRESH ground black pepper
2-3 green onions, THINLY sliced for garnish

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Arrange an oven rack 6 inches from broiler.
  • Lightly spray large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente per package instructions. Drain well. Return pasta to hot pot. Stir in cream cheese and Dijon until cream cheese is melted and pasta is well coated. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add garlic and shallot, cooking and stirring 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Whisk in cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne until lightly browned.
  • Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until slightly thickened. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and jack cheese until melted.
  • Pour and fold into pasta mixture until well combined; season again to taste.
  • Pour onto baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with Colby Jack cheese.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes until all the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
  • Top with green onions.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE: For best results use FRESHLY grated cheeses, NOT prepackaged.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 17 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.117

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

OH MY, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S THE LAST WEEK OF APRIL??? I want this world to slow down!!!!!

Last week was a culmination of things coming to a head at the Eagles. I had to get the newsletter prepped and ready to mail in 2 days time with a special letter to members for a meeting on May 8th that will determine A LOT of things, starting with whether we keep our charter or not. To me it looks like we are going to lose our charter and I’m actually not as sad about that as you would think. In a weird way I’m okay with that. I’m so over the drama. I’m more upset by the amount of time I’ve tried to help keep things afloat and others have just laughed it all off. There is such a small handful of the 350+ members that have stepped up to do ANYTHING to help keep the place running and the doors open. Most treat it as a social club only.

I will be looking for other service projects to fill my time.

Hubby and I went to a painting class on Thursday night, but it had been canceled. She felt so bad that she hadn’t contacted me to keep us from driving so far that offered me a free class on Friday that I enjoyed! I do need to finish some of the top flowers, but am pretty happy with it.

We took a spontaneous trip to the coast on Saturday to meet up with our neighbors for lunch and gallery browsing. They had taken their trailer up for the weekend to attend their grandson’s invitational track meet. The hubby’s got a kick out of us driving 80 miles to visit with friends that live 200 feet away 🙂

Sunday was very relaxed and I got a lot done clearing my desk, laundry that had piled up the past week, prep for this week’s recipes…

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

I sure hope the weather forecaster got this week right!! Highs in the mid 60’s and lows in the low 40’s and partly cloudy will make it the perfect week to get the garden started. We have A LOT of clean up and organization to do that will take some serious time so we can get the new top soil in.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL,  APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING WHEW I did 7 loads yesterday! Usually I do a load every other day, but it’s been SOOOOOOOO busy this past week it built up – especially since I’m still wearing multiple layers of tops and flannels, 🙂
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will be going for us on Friday, but will do Costco on Wednesday for the Offyce and groceries for the Eagle’s bar.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re starting to plan a BIG trip for late June, but are also planning a small trip for the coast in late May.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Menu is planned for the next 3 weeks, but my girlfriend gave me a new cookbook with vintage Ellis Island recipes in it that I’m researching to do soon.
  • DVR/TV 24 in 24 started last night. I still have a couple taped HALLMARK MOVIES to get through as well as a HOPE VALLEY episode and a couple THE WAY HOME.
  • THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY warm toes… purring kitties… fluffy clouds… empty laundry baskets, like that every happens ∞… 

READING TIME

I’ve been falling asleep quickly and haven’t had time to read even in the evenings so…

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

 4/27
MONDAY
 4/28
TUESDAY
 4/29
WEDNESDAY
 4/30
THURSDAY
5/1
FRIDAY
5/2
SATURDAY
5/3
SUNDAY
DINNER
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
MEATBALLS & BEAN BREAD
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
BBQ at a friend’s house I’m taking Macaroni Salad
CHEESY PIZZA ROLLS & SALAD
CHILI BALLS & FRENCH ONION AU GRATIN POTATOES
DESSERT
 
BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS
HONEY RAISIN BRAN MUFFINS 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This week’s pictures are some of my favorite barns that have been collapsing year after year. A burned copper piece I found at a favorite gallery and a hand carved nativity I found at the kitchen store of all places. I found both pieces on our spontaneous coast excursion.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BAKED CARROT CASSEROLE
  • CRISPY EDGE BAKED MAC & CHEESE
  • CORN CHILE CHICKEN RELLENO SOUFFLE

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS 

I didn’t even have time last week to get link ups done so I’ll try it again this week. 🙂

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHEESEBURGER WRAPS ~ BLOG 365.113C

CHEESEBURGER WRAPS serves 4
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, FINELY chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
LARGE flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella optional, for extra melt
½ cup chopped pickles
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato diced

SAUCE optional, but HIGHLY recommended
¼ cup DUKES mayonnaise
2 tablespoons QUALITY ketchup* (SEE NOTE)
1 teaspoon mustard

  • Heat skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and chopped onion* (SEE NOTE).
  • Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Brown for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until fully browned.
  • Stir well and remove from heat, draining off excess fat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
  • Lay a tortilla flat.
  • Spread a spoonful of sauce in the center.
  • Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
  • Place wraps seam-side down in a hot skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.

NOTE:

  • We like FRESH chopped red onion instead of cooked onion. It’s also good to use both!
  • We also like to use jalapeno ketchup.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ DISNEY DAY ~ BLOG 365.113B

DISNEY PIMIENTO CHEESE

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced, Optional
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, Optional
¼ teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground salt and black pepper to taste

  • Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl, mixiing until thoroughly combined.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

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Some sites have said the best way to make these sandwiches is with their pimiento cheese. You decide and judge for yourself.

COPY CAT DISNEY GRILLED CHEESE (WOODY’S LUNCH BOX DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS) 
CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine cream cheese, cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor, blending until smooth.
  • Set aside.

GARLIC SPREAD
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended.
  • Set aside.

SANDWICH
8 slices of artisan bread
8 cheddar cheese slices
8 provolone slices

  • Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  • Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices.
  • Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  • Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone.
  • Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  • Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  • Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  • Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

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TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

Looking to start your day magically? Try this crave worthy copy cat Disney recipe of Tonga Toast, a fruit stuffed French toast that satisfies ANY & EVERY sweet tooth.

There’s a reason why it’s a fan favorite – and a taste of Disney that everyone talks about. Sweet treats like this are crave-worthy! For the full recipe, see the printable recipe card below! 

Tonga Toast is a must-have Disney breakfast, but it also makes a wonderful dessert for whoever the craving hits for sweet AND fruity!! This fruity stuffed French toast is soft, sweet, and absolutely scrumptious!  

TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

CINNAMON SUGAR
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons QUALITY ground cinnamon

  • In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar. Set aside.

TOAST
4 LARGE eggs
1 1/2 cups WHOLE milk
1/4 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 loaf sourdough bread, whole
2 LARGE bananas, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise and then in half to get 4 pieces from each banana
4 cups oil or shortening for frying

  • In a deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
  • Slice the two ends off the loaf of bread.
  • Slice the loaf into four equal pieces.
  • In the top of each slice, use a knife to make a slit 3” long across the top and deep enough to reach the bottom crust of the bread without slicing through it.
  • Stuff two of the banana slices side by side vertically into each of the four prepared bread slices.
  • Fill a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven with at least 4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°. Use a candy thermometer to continually monitor the temperature.
  • Submerge each of the prepared bread slices into the egg/milk mixture. Soak for 1-2 minutes, then turn and soak it another 1-2 minutes on the other side to permeate the bread. The thickness of the slice and structure of the sourdough should hold up to soaking for quite some time.
  • When the oil is hot enough, use a pair of tongs to lift the bread from the batter, allowing the excess batter to drip off, and then carefully transfer the bread into the hot oil.
  • Fry 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping the slice when it is golden brown.
  • When the toast is golden brown all over, lift it from the hot oil and blot it on paper towels to remove excess oil so toast doesn’t get soggy from extra moisture.
  • While the toast is still warm, set it in the bowl of cinnamon sugar and toss to coat it. Spoon sugar over top as necessary.
  • Repeat process with remaining toasts.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, a QUALITY honey or your favorite flavor compote or jam.

NOTES:

  • You can use any artisan bread of choice, but I recommend sourdough because it’s sturdy and doesn’t get overly soggy when dipped in batter. It also does a great job holding the bananas. I recommend starting with a whole sourdough loaf instead of pre-sliced sourdough. Most pre-sliced sourdough is cut TOO thin.
  • Use large bananas that are ripe, BUT NOT TOO RIPE — they should be fully yellow with some scattered brown spots. Once they’re overripe, they will be too mushy to use.
  • The cinnamon sugar coated toast is tasty on its own, but you can enjoy it with a variety of different toppings, such as maple syrup or your favorite flavored jam. And if you like peanut butter and bananas try drizzling a little bit of peanut butter over top! 
  • Make sure your oil is at least 4 inches deep and HOT. The sourdough slices are thick and will float to the top as they cook, so a deep pot of oil will keep half of the slice submerged at all times. Just flip to cook the other half! Using a candy thermometer ensures your oil is a constant 375°. 

Be sure and watch the temperature between batches. If it dips, be sure to bring it back up before adding another slice.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CREAMY BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC & CHEESE ~ BLOG 365.113A

CREAMY BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC & CHEESE

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Spray baking sheet lightly with non-stick spray. Set aside.

SQUASH
1 LARGE butternut squash (See notes)
2 shallots, rustically chopped

  • Spray LARGE baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  • Drizzle the cut sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place cut side down on the baking sheet.
  • Place the shallots on a piece of foil, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap tightly.
  • Place on the baking sheet beside squash and roast for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is soft.

TOPPING
¾ cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

  • In a small bowl, place the panko and melted butter.
  • Toss to combine.
  • Set Aside.

PASTA
1 pound shell OR elbow pasta
¼ cup avocado oil, plus more for drizzling
2 teaspoons QUALITY balsamic vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1½ cups WHOLE milk
2 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup (1½ ounces) FINELY grated pecorino cheese

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Prepare the pasta cooking 1 minute less than package instructions for al dente.
  • Reserve 2+ cups of the pasta water before draining.
  • Measure 2 cups of the cooked, soft squash flesh and transfer to a blender with 1 1/2 cups pasta water, the shallots, oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, and several grinds of pepper. Blend until creamy.
  • Return the pasta pot to the stove and heat milk over medium heat.
  • Stir in the squash sauce and cook 3 minutes, stirring often, until warmed through.
  • Whisking constantly, gradually add the cheddar, Gruyère, and pecorino cheeses, making sure each addition is fully melted before adding the next. Whisk until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If necessary gradually add a bit more pasta water to make sauce creamier.
  • Add the pasta and stir until coated.
  • Preheat the oven broiler and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with the panko mixture.
  • Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and browned.
  • Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

NOTE: Many local grocers carry squash in the prepared produce section that works as a short cut.