- quick recipe of the week -

Hello, hello and Happy Monday to you all! Today I am re-featuring a dear friend of mine, Ashley, who I've known for a few years as a real life friend, but who also happens to have a pretty awesome blog called The Pickled Bean.

I featured one of Ashley's recipes earlier this year, and I am so glad to have her back again! Ashley is a wonderful mom to two gorgeous kids. Taylor is their beautiful little girl, full of sass and charm, and Cooper is their little blessing, diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, and teaching them so much about the beauty of life, and bringing them so much joy! Ashley is one of the most positive people I know, and she is always so supportive and encouraging. She is always looking for the silver lining in every cloud and I absolutely love that about her!

(Image credit Ashley)

Ashley is sharing a great fall recipe with us today! This is not a recipe for the calorie counters, but it is warm and lovely on a crisp fall evening. As a working mom, Ashley loves having a comforting meal that she can toss together in minutes... and the whole family loves. I can't wait to try it out!

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
4 cups macaroni noodles
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups whole milk
1 pound Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Salt and Pepper -- Or any other seasoning you like, some like paprika, dried mustard, fresh nutmeg. My mom likes chopped white onion. To each there own here.

Cook noodles for 7 minutes, or 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instruction suggests. Melt the butter over medium heat until melted and add flour. Mix together until smooth and cook for a minute of two until all of the raw flour taste is gone. Add milk slowly and whisk on low heat until the mixture thickens. DO NOT LET THIS COME TO A BOIL. Season with salt and pepper or any other seasoning you would like. Take off heat and mix in all but 1 cup of your cheese. Spread in a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. The last 3 or so minutes bring your oven to a high broil so that you have a nice crispy top. Serve with steamed veggies or a nice big green salad.

(Image credit Ashley)

Printable Recipe

Thanks again Ashley! Perfect fall recipe! Perfect football watching recipe! And super low calorie, low fat right?? ha ha!

Make sure you go say hi to Ashley if you haven't already done so before! She is definitely a super momma with tons of great craft, cooking, and fun ideas on her blog!