Chicken Bacon Bakes

I got the idea for this from the Chicken Bakes that they sell at the Costco food court but I made a few modifications. To make two Chicken Bacon Bakes I used:

1 Chicken breast grilled and diced (I used salt, pepper and a little crushed red pepper)

4 strips of bacon cooked extra crispy and crumbled

1 cup cheese (I used Colby Jack)

1/2 cup marinara sauce

4 Rhoades rolls

Let the rolls raise according to the directions on the package. When you are ready to make your Chicken Bakes knead two rolls together and roll out to about an 8 inch circle. Fill one side of the dough with half the chicken breast, two strips of crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup of cheese and 1/4 cup of marinara. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Top the each Chicken Bake with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

These were filling and so delicious!

Grown up Mac and Cheese

I originally saw this recipe on 30 Minute Meals, I made a few modifications because my grocery store doesn't have most of the fancy ingredients Rachael Ray uses. Although it was on 30 Minute Meals, it took me longer than that to make it. It was very good, definitely worth the time. Enjoy!








Salt

1 pound Penne pasta or other short cut pasta

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 pound bacon, chopped

2 onions, quartered and thinly sliced

1 1/2 cup Chicken stock, divided

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups shredded Cheese (I use cheddar)

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg, to taste



Heat water for pasta, salt water and cook pasta according to package directions
While pasta water comes to boil, heat extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add onions and cook 10 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelize. Add 1/2 cup of the chicken stock and cook out, 1 minute.
While onions cook, heat a sauce pot over medium heat. Add butter, melt and whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute then whisk in remaining stock and milk and bring to a bubble. Thicken a few minutes then season with salt and pepper. Melt in cheese stirring it in a figure-8 motion with a wooden spoon. Add nutmeg and adjust salt and pepper. Drain pasta, toss with onions and stir in cheese sauce to coat. Top with crispy bacon and serve.