a classic… tuna noodle casserole

I love Tuna Casserole. I do. I love it. And when I crave comfort food, this is one of the first things that come to mind!

The last time I lived in the Frozen Tundra, I would make myself a big pan of this and freeze it in individual portions, for my lunch… everyday. Yep, I ate it almost everyday! Because I love it that much, and because I needed that much comforting! (There’s a reason I don’t live in the Frozen Tundra anymore!!)

My Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb penne pasta, cooked until very al dente
1/2 small onion, minced (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, optional
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cans albacore tuna, drained
2 (10.75oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups frozen peas

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Butter a 9×13″ baking dish and set aside.

In a small saucepan, saute the onion and mushrooms (if using) in butter until softened. In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients except for 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

Pour into your prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly!

This makes GREAT leftovers, and also freezes wonderfully, baked or unbaked!

when nothing works…

Today, I gave up. I tried everything, and nothing worked.

My baby was beyond tired and miserable, and I really have no good idea why. It started last evening, and he didn’t sleep well last night, so I guess I’m not really surprised… but that never makes it any easier!!

I tried everything! I nursed him… 3 times. I fed him… twice. I changed his diaper… 3 times. I held him and rocked him and sang to him, innumerable times! I let him play. I let him cry (a little)! I changed his clothes. I gave him water. And ibuprofen. And more cuddles.


Nothing worked!!

So, I gave up. And now I am sitting in the big comfy chair, holding him, letting him nurse, and settling in for a long winter’s nap.

Oh well. I guess the laundry will still be here tomorrow!

perfect hot buttered rum mix

Nothing warms you up from the inside out better than a delicious, sweet & comforting mug of hot buttered rum.

This mix is simple to whip up, tastes amazing and keeps great in the freezer for up to 3 months!



Perfect Hot Buttered Rum Mix Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups vanilla ice cream

Directions:
In a saucepan, cook together the sugars and butter over low heat until melted.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cooked sugar/butter mixture and the ice cream on medium speed until very smooth.

Use immediately, or pour into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months.
To Serve:
Fill a mug 1/4 full of the buttered rum mix. Add one ounce of rum. (We use golden rum).

Add about 3/4 cup of boiling water and stir well, until mix is melted and there is a thick, creamy foam on the top. Sprinkle with fresh grated nutmeg, and enjoy!

Yes, that mug does have a picture of my baby on it! It’s my new Christmas mug, and I love it!! Isn’t it sweet?? :o)

A Christmas Eve, part 1

christmas pretzel buttons

I really needed to accomplish something today, with all the chaos of a teething baby and the holidays. I needed to start something and finish it, to remind myself that it is possible, even though all my unfinished projects would try to convince me otherwise!
So, I made these fun little treats… because they remind me of Christmas, and they are cute, simple, satisfying and quick! Seriously, the hardest part? Unwrapping the Hershey’s Kisses! These are such a great blend of salty, sweet, smooth and crunchy. Try them out! You’ll love them!
Christmas Buttons Recipe
Ingredients:
Small Pretzels
Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
m&ms
Directions:
Top each pretzel with a Hershey’s Kiss, and place in a preheated 200ºF oven for 10 minutes. Remove and immediately press an m&m into the top of each kiss. Let cool completely! (If you don’t eat them all immediately, that is!) :o)