bachelorette 'gourmet' ...

as much as i love to write, i also love to play in the kitchen. i've wanted to include this as part of my blog for a while, and though tonight's creation might not be the best [most enticing] example, i thought it would be the perfectly crazy place to start.

i am what you could call a pantry chef ... look in the pantry, fridge or freezer, see what i have on hand, and figure out a tasty way to combine it all - as simply and easily as possible. i'm a good cook, but when you're only doing it for 1, putting in a bunch of effort just doesn't seem worth it - i get much more creative when it comes to cooking for others. but being on a budget means no frivolous ingredients, cutting corners wherever possible, and making the most of every last leftover. my stints in the kitchen are also usually very limited, so i don’t spend a lot of extra time on prep or waiting or baking either.

tonight is classically unique christine. i started with some fresh broccoli and grape tomatoes that needed to be used. my plan was to add them to a bowl of pasta with chicken and then build from there. frozen chicken is great, but i always keep cans on hand to throw in with salads or pasta. i had some whole wheat noodles at home, but was inspired by my roommate to buy a box of halloween-themed kraft macaroni and cheese for $1 when checking out at target ... what can i say, i’m a sucker for fun-shaped food! despite the splurge, i just couldn’t bring myself to indulge in the fake cheese, so instead i added some cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese that i had left over and made a creamy sauce. for flavor, i sprinkled ‘the melting pots’ garlic and wine seasoning on top. i steamed the broccoli and sliced the tomatoes, then tossed it all together.

it might sound weird, but i really enjoyed this grown-up twist on a childhood favorite!

all that being said, i would also love to extend this service to anyone reading - send me an ingredient list, and i'll come up with a fun and easy solution. i've spent many years as a nanny, so am definitely able to take the preferences of children into account, and make meals suitable for a whole family, especially a family on the go. dietary restrictions? bring 'em on! from appetizers to desserts, breakfast to dinner - you name it, i’ve concocted it. and my specialty is coming up with healthy, easy alternatives for classic recipes. check out my mobile uploads on facebook for some more examples, and i’ll post my newest creations here from time to time.

anyone brave enough to give it a whirl?