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Comfort Food: Mac and Cheese

Posted by in The Theme Is...

Tasty Kitchen Blog: The Theme is Mac and Cheese!

 
I’ve been meaning to do something here to celebrate the new (well, not so new now) Comfort Food category over at The Pioneer Woman Cooks. It’s loaded with goodies like fried round steak and potatoes au gratin, but for today, I want to focus on one of the most beloved comfort foods of all time: macaroni and cheese.

Seriously. What can be more comforting than spoonfuls—or forkfuls, if that’s your weapon of choice—of pasta bathed in creamy cheese? Yes, that’s a rhetorical question.

Let’s start with a few classic versions. This is mac and cheese 101, the basic combination of regular pasta and cheese. Done in the oven or on the stove, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
 

Tasty Kitchen Blog: The Theme is Mac and Cheese! (Classic)Clockwise from left: Creamy Stovetop Mac ‘n’ Cheese from lizzygoesdutch, Ree’s Macaroni and Cheese, and Oh So Good Macaroni and Cheese from Emily.

 
 
 
You know we’re just getting started here. Let’s take the classic version, throw in some special cheese or a little something extra for a crunchy top, and start mixing things up a bit.

That’s because we can’t help ourselves. It’s what we do here.
 

Tasty Kitchen Blog: The Theme is Mac and Cheese! (Special)Clockwise from top left: Easy Peasy Baked Mac and Cheesy from Not A Leaf, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese from A Cozy Kitchen, Spicy Baked Mac & Cheese from sweet anna’s, and Creamy & Crunchy Mac and Cheese from pammy.

 
 
 
Ready to raise the stakes a bit higher? Let’s throw in some vegetables and sneak in a little extra nutrition, whether it’s Swiss chard or mushrooms or butternut squash.

It’s a great way to get picky eaters to add some greens to their diet, too.
 

Tasty Kitchen Blog: The Theme is Mac and Cheese! (With Vegetables)Clockwise from top left: Truffle Mac and Cheese from Not A Leaf, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese from in sock monkey slippers, Swiss Chard & Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet Mac from Natalie (Perrys’ Plate), and Island Macaroni and Cheese from Global Table Adventure.

 
 
 
And now, because we’ve blown that door wide open, let’s take that simple mac and cheese and add in some bacon. Or chicken. Or maybe some ground meat and roasted vegetables. Sprinkle some extra spice in there, and you’ve got yourself a seriously loaded, jacked up, ain’t-your-traditional-no-more mac and cheese.

It’s like comfort food that’s been pumping iron and doing P90X.

I have no idea what I just said.
 

Tasty Kitchen Blog: The Theme is Mac and Cheese! (With Meat)Clockwise from top left: Ree’s Fancy Macaroni, Bacon & Butternut Skillet Mac from Natalie (Perrys’ Plate), Deliciously Healthy Mac and Cheese from bonniethebaker, Chicken Mac and Cheese from HowSweetEats, Mac-N-Cheese from Sheila Johnson, and Jalapeno-Bacon Macaroni and Cheese from cicadagirl.

 
 
 
And there you have it! A quick roundup of some wonderful macaroni and cheese recipes that you can find here in Tasty Kitchen. Aside from being absolutely delicious, the great thing about this classic comfort food is that just about everyone loves it, kids and grown ups alike. It also makes a wonderful packed lunch for school or work, and you’ll be kissed repeatedly and followed around if you bring a pan of creamy, cheesy comfort to a party.

 
How about you? Do you have a favorite mac and cheese variation? Do you like to experiment with different ingredients or do you feel that nothing beats the classic version? Let us know!

 
 

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Looks Delicious! Classic Pizza Margherita

Posted by in Looks Delicious!

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Looks Delicious! (Classic Pizza Margherita, submitted by TK member Jessica of Kohler Created)

 
Sometimes, all I want is a pizza with simple ingredients. A pizza with classic toppings that uses fresh tomatoes instead of sauce. Whole wheat bread flour in the crust is a plus, too.

This Classic Pizza Margherita from Tk member Jessica looks absolutely delicious, and I really like the addition of ricotta and artichoke hearts, which I think elevates it beyond the traditional basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella combination.

Thanks for posting this, Jessica! See more of Jessica’s wonderful recipes in Kohler Created, where you can also read about her husband Neil’s racing hobby (how cool is that!), backpacking, and gardening.

 
 

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Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread

Posted by in Baking, Step-by-Step Recipes

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

 
Fall has arrived with all her glory and I guarantee there is an oven somewhere baking a scrumptious pumpkin treat. Today I’m sharing a really … really … REALLY awesome Streusel-topped Pumpkin Bread which I absolutely love, submitted by TK member Shaina of Food For My Family.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

The recipe has two parts to it: the streusel topping …

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

And the bread.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

To make the streusel topping, mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and flax seed using a food processor, pastry cutter, fork, or fingers until combined.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Mix in the oats. The reason I add the oats after everything else is combined is because I didn’t want the food processor to grind the oats. Set this mixture aside. We’ll bring it back in the end.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

For the bread, cream the butter and sugars …

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Until light and fluffy.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Add vanilla and add eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape down the bowl until batter is well combined.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Mix in the pumpkin puree …

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Spices …

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

And then flour and buttermilk.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Batter should be light orange and thick. Divide batter between two prepared loaf pans.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Fill the pans approximately 3/4 full.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Top off each loaf with half the streusel mixture.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Bake for 70-80 minutes. Be sure to check and see if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick is clean when you remove it, the bread is ready to be pulled from the oven. If any raw batter sticks to the toothpick, allow the bread to bake 8-10 minutes longer and test again.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Once the bread is removed from the oven, allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

This bread can be served warm or at room temperature and will stay moist for a few days if stored in a Ziploc bag or container.

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

The streusel topping on the pumpkin loaf is the perfect balance of wholesome goodness and sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the bread. I found the texture, sweetness, moistness, and spice blend to be in perfect harmony. If you plan on baking one pumpkin bread recipe this fall, this is the one for you!

 
 
 
Tasty Kitchen Blog: Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread. Guest post by Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, recipe submitted by TK member Shaina Olmanson of Food for My Family.

Thanks again, Shaina. I love your blog, Food For My Family, and this recipe!

 
 

Printable Recipe

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread

See post on Food for My Family’s site!
4.76 Mitt(s) 21 Rating(s)21 votes, average: 4.76 out of 521 votes, average: 4.76 out of 521 votes, average: 4.76 out of 521 votes, average: 4.76 out of 521 votes, average: 4.76 out of 5

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Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 16

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Description

A moist and dense pumpkin bread perfect for a cup of coffee on a cold fall morning but delectable enough to make the dessert table.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cups Butter, Softened
  • ¾ cups Granulated Sugar
  • ¾ cups Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 4 whole Eggs
  • 2-½ cups Pumpkin Puree
  • 3 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 3 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ¾ teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1-½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoons Ground Ginger
  • ¼ teaspoons Allspice
  • ¼ teaspoons Grated Nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoons Cardamom
  • ½ cups Buttermilk
  • _____
  • FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING:
  • ¼ cups Butter, Softened
  • ½ cups Brown Sugar
  • ¼ cups Oatmeal
  • ¼ cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 3 Tablespoons Ground Flax Seed
  • ¼ cups Chopped Pecans (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350º F. Grease and flour the bottom of two 8″ loaf pans. To make the topping, mix together all the topping ingredients using a fork or pastry cutter until combined thoroughly.

In a large bowl or mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add vanilla and eggs and mix until incorporated. Stir in pumpkin puree.

In a separate bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg and cardamom. Whisk together until no lumps remain. Add half of the flour mix to the pumpkin mix, blending well. Beat in buttermilk. Add remaining flour mix and beat lightly until smooth.

Pour batter evenly into the two prepared 8″ pans. Cover each with half of the topping mix. Bake at 350º F for 70-80 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Slice and enjoy.

 
 
_______________________________________

Alice Currah is the force behind Sweet Savory Life and Everyday Alice. She and her husband Rob are the proud parents of three children: Abbi, Mimi, and Elli. Alice is the winner of Saveur’s Cover Contest and is on the Forbes.com list of Eight of The Very Best Food Bloggers. She’s the best-est.

 

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Looks Delicious! Spicy Margarita Shrimp

Posted by in Looks Delicious!

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Looks Delicious! (Spicy Margarita Shrimp, submitted by TK member Damielo)

 
Mmmm. Spicy Margarita Shrimp. This dish has so much going for it that it’s like a fiesta on a plate. Shrimp, avocado, tequila (woohoo!), triple sec, curry, cumin, turmeric … it’s enough to make one want to grab a sombrero and sit under a tree with a mariachi band.

Yes, sometimes my visualizations puzzle me too.

Tasty Kitchen member Damielo promises that the marinade will work with chicken or white fish as well, and you can serve this on rice, quinoa, or a salad if you want to go the low carb route.

Thanks for such a gorgeous recipe, Damielo!

 

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Looks Delicious! Zucchini Parmesan

Posted by in Looks Delicious!

  TK members and food bloggers A Cozy Kitchen did it again with this scrumptious recipe for Zucchini Parmesan. I love the twist on the old eggplant classic, and it’s the perfect time of year to offer up ways for folks to use all the zucchini in their lives! I’m trying it later this week […]

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Meet Katie

Posted by in Meet the Member!

  It’s time for a new post featuring one of our many wonderful members here at Tasty Kitchen, and today, we’ll get to know theparsleythief. Bet you didn’t know her concentration in college was glassblowing and glass design. (Intrigued? I know I was.) We’ll learn more interesting things about her today, so say hi to […]

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Looks Delicious! Simple and Delicious Tomato Soup with Salsa Verde

Posted by in Looks Delicious!

  When I spotted this soup from misspfui months ago for our Grilled Cheese theme post, I thought to myself that it looked so pretty and sounded so delicious that it just may be the tomato soup that upstages the sandwich. Which is quite a tall order since, well, grilled cheese is pretty much a […]

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Looks Delicious! Cinnamon Chai Cream Pie

Posted by in Looks Delicious!

  I know I said I wanted to hold on to summer a bit longer, but honestly, I’m also looking forward to fall and all its wonderful flavors. For me, fall usually means our favorite food items become available in pumpkin flavor, and there’s nothing like warm drinks and the scent of apples and spice […]