Recipes: Great FOOD + a Beautiful ROOM

What are two things we all love??  Tasty FOOD and pretty ROOMS.  Well, because of this, I decided to start  this new series.  For the 'food' part, I have invited the talented Cassie, a food blogger from CassieCraves to share one of her awesome, melt-in-your-mouth recipes.  After wards, I will come in for the 'room' part- I'll share a 'recipe' for a room design where I could picture myself enjoying the yummy meal. 

Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese

...an inviting, seasonal version of the classic comfort food.

1 butternut squash

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound macaroni pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup plain breadcrumbs

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon ground sage

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1.       Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and place face-down in a large roasting pan. Add about 1 inch of water. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes, or until squash is tender. Don’t turn off the oven.

2.       While the squash is still warm, remove from peel and place in a blender. Add cream cheese and puree until mixture is smooth.

3.       Cook pasta to al dente according to directions on package in boiling salted water; drain.

4.       Meanwhile, heat milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Stir in butternut squash/cream cheese mixture and shredded cheddar. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.

5.       Add cheese sauce to pasta. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

6.       In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, sage, and thyme leaves; stir in butter. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni and cheese.

7.       Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until breadcrumb topping is browned. Serve immediately.

*****************************

Ooh...mac & cheese with butternut squash and cream cheese - that's what I'm talking about!  I could really see myself eating this on a dreary winter day, curled up in a corner of the room in a big comfy chair with my feet tossed up. 

When I began putting this design together with butternut mac & cheese in mind, the design went masculine, but still with class and a little femininity. 

Take a look,

Recipe to create this room:

 First mix in a graphic rug, then sink into this chair, it's comfy yet still tailored and beautiful. 

Mix in a leather ottoman with all the fabrics in the space for a masculine feel.  Add a some nailhead for extra flavor.

 Sprinkle in a little bit of bling-bling with this antiqued mirror glass top & gold leafed tables.  Pull out the table underneath when extra surfaces are needed.

Make sure you can see your butternut mac & cheese with this rust finish and pebble silk shade lamp.  Turn on when eating or reading.  Turn off when sleeping:)

Next, add art, a throw, and pillows & fabrics for draperies etc. for added character.

To finish off your room, sprinkle in your favorite accessories, books, and fresh flowers.  Enjoy!

***********************************

Thanks Cassie, for helping me out with this post!  Make sure you go check out her blog. I bet you won't leave it without 'pinning' at least one recipe! 

If you blog about food and would like to be apart of this series, email me!