When I think about Fall, I think about comfort food. All kinds of comfort food! One meal that always goes over great at our house is my Grandma’s Macaroni & Cheese. It’s made the same way her mother always made it and it’s pretty simple. I think that’s what’s so nice about it. This recipe comes from a time when some of the best dishes were just that. Simple and made with love. As a child this was one of my favorite meals and til this day if our family is going to be eating dinner at Grandma’s she likes to make this Macaroni & Cheese for me! Yum!

This homemade Macaroni & Cheese is not your typical creamy, saucy version. Instead, it’s a good old fashioned, on the farm type recipe that’s got a whole lot of cheesy goodness in it. Sharp Cheddar and Colby Jack Cheeses are cubed and layered on top of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni along with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top of each layer.

Once your two layers of macaroni and cheese has reached the top of your casserole dish, beat a few eggs with milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until warmed. Take that liquid mixture and pour it over your macaroni and cheese layers just until it almost touches the top layer. Then bake it in your hot oven until it’s golden around the edges and nice and bubbly!

I love the first bite of this when it has that crispy cheesy edge along with the soft elbow macaroni all in one. This is a rustic dish that definitely qualifies as comfort food here at our house. We like to serve this with some homemade meatballs, fresh green beans and warm rolls for a delicious dinner.

I had not made this recipe in a while, so it was a very nice surprise when it made an appearance on our dinner table for my family this week. It’s funny how a simple recipe can take you back to a different time and fill your mind and heart with wonderful memories.

If you’re looking for a comforting old fashioned meal this week, give this recipe a try! It’s perfect for the colder weather ahead and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Here’s a little tip: I know this may sound silly, but if you’ve got homemade strawberry jam at home, try a little dollop of it over this warm macaroni & cheese! My grandfather always ate his that way and it’s delicious! There’s something about the sweetness of the cool jam with the saltiness of the hot cheese that’s just sooo good!

Do you have a favorite simple family dinner recipe that’s been handed down throughout the years? I would love to hear about it in the comments!

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I couldn’t be more excited about the warmer temperatures we’ve been experiencing here in Western New York.  This week the temperatures have been between 40 and 50 degrees, and while that may not sound warm to most of you, it sure does feel nice after -20 degree days last month.  It’s especially nice when the sun comes out too!  This nicer, more “Spring-like” weather has also got me in the mood for cleaning.  I spent a whole day this week washing windows and enjoying the fresh air as I did so.  The thing I don’t like about this change in weather is the sinus issues I seem to have when the air and pressure changes.  I’ve been a little stuffy and have had headaches, so at the end of the day I am just ready to get cozy and relax.  This 30 Minute Sausage & Tomato Soup is the perfect quick meal for a cozy evening or for a nice weeknight meal!

The best part about this soup is how easy it is to make.  It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish and it goes great with crusty bread and a salad.  Start by browning your favorite Italian Sausage (sweet, mild or hot- all will do ) with a little onion, carrot and garlic until the vegetables are softened and the meat no longer shows any pink.  Drain the excess fat (if excessive) and add your seasoned crushed tomatoes and chicken stock.

Mix well and bring the soup to a simmer, then add in your uncooked orzo pasta.  After giving everything a good stir, simply cover the soup and let it simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Then turn off the heat and let it cool just a bit before serving.  We like to add a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese to our soup!  The flavorful sausage makes this soup taste like it’s been simmering on your stovetop all day long.  Your house will also smell delicious too!

If you don’t know what to make for dinner during this Winter to Spring change of weather, give this simple and tasty soup a try! If you’ve got slight sinus issues like me this time of year, I hope you find this meal to be a comforting end to your day.  Enjoy!

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As 2014 comes to an end, I thought it would be fun to put together a little round-up of Cozy Country Living’s most popular recipes this year.  Thank you so much for all of your kindness and support this year.  I wish you and your families a Safe, Healthy & Happy New Year!  Enjoy!

#1.  Sour Cream & Cheddar Baked Mashed Potatoes shared over 174,000 times!

#2.  Loaded Vegetable Soup shared over 61,000 times!

 #3.  Potato, Broccoli & Pepper Jack Egg Casserole shared over 47,000 times!

 #4.  Sweet & Salty SNICKERS Popcorn shared over 25,000 times!

 #5.  Pepper Jack Scalloped Potatoes shared over 25,000 times!

#6.  White Chocolate & Almond Amaretto Cheesecake shared over 16,000 times!

#7.  S’mores Snack Mix shared over 11,000 times!

#8.  Creamy Chicken & Asparagus Casserole shared over 6,800 times!

#9.  Pepper Jack Macaroni & Cheese shared over 4,900 times!

#10.   Hawaiian Pineapple & Coconut Pound Cake shared over 4,200 times!

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The cold weather has arrived and that means it’s time to get cozy in the kitchen!  Nothing is more comforting than a warm, slow cooked meal after coming in from the cold.  Whether you work outside in the elements or bundle up to get in and out of your car to and from work; the inviting, delicious smell of this Old Fashioned Pot Roast will welcome you home and comfort you even on the most frigid evenings.  This satisfying Slow Cooker meal takes only minutes to prepare and will have your family coming back for more.

#SlowCooker Old Fashioned Pot Roast for a comforting family meal! #crockpot #dinner
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Fresh chuck roast is cooked slow all day with baby Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, celery, onion and garlic in a herb infused beef broth to give you a flavorful, melt in your mouth beef roast.  The left over juices from the roast can simply be whisked into a savory gravy and then ladled on top of the tender beef and vegetables.  This meal makes a wonderful Sunday dinner, but can easily be prepared any day of the week.  This old fashioned, home cooked meal is excellent served with fresh crusty bread, a garden salad and a glass of red wine for a truly comforting and relaxing evening at home by the fire.  Your family never has to know you didn’t spend all day cooking it!

*Linking up at Ginger Snap Crafts, Savvy Southern Style, Buns In My Oven, The Best Blog Recipes, My Turn For Us, Feeding Big, Pint Sized Baker, Hun What’s For Dinner

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Nothing is more cozy and comforting than a hot homemade bowl of soup on a cold day!

Here are my family’s favorite, tried and true,

Top 10 Comforting Soups:

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It’s been cold, windy and overcast outside lately and I have been craving warm, comforting meals.  It’s the end of fall, things are starting to look pretty brown and the trees are almost bare.  My husband thinks I am crazy, but I love this part of fall!  Sure it’s yucky outside, but it’s oh so cozy inside.  It’s the perfect time to cook, bake, and wrap yourself  in a nice warm blanket and curl up with a good book by the fire.  Since it’s getting darker outside earlier, my family tends to eat dinner a little earlier too.  On days that I can’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, a warm, hearty dinner ready and waiting in the slow cooker for my family is the perfect way end to the day.

This Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken & Rice is a comfort meal that your family will love.  Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs are cooked all day with tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic and spices to create moist chicken that blends perfectly with tender Spanish Rice.  Sometimes we even like to add black beans to this tasty dish the last half hour of cooking.   It’s a whole meal made all in one pot!  It’s a great dinner for a busy week night or even a relaxed meal on the weekends with friends.  Whenever you decide to serve this, I am sure it will become one of your favorite Slow Cooker meals too.  Enjoy!

*Linking up at Life After Laundry, The Best Blog Recipes, The Jenny Evolution, Happy and Blessed Home, 365ish Pins, A Peek Into My Paradise,Six Sisters’ Stuff, Cheerios and Lattes, Cherished Bliss, Feeding Big

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On a cold and rainy day there is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of  homemade soup.  This Slow Cooker Garlic Broccoli & Cheese Soup is so simple, but so delicious!   This soup is also lighter than your traditional Broccoli & Cheese Soups.   Along with fresh broccoli, carrots, onions,  garlic, and freshly grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese, this soup is blended with vegetable stock and 2 % milk instead of heavy cream.    Since I couldn’t spend all day in the kitchen today, this was a time saving, homemade meal that I didn’t have to touch or even think about it until it was dinner time.  I filled the slow cooker in the morning and I had a soup that tasted like it had been cooking on top of the stove all day when my family was ready to wind down for the evening.  With the use of an immersion blender, you can puree this soup to your desired texture.  I personally like to make this soup pretty smooth and then top it with Sharp Cheddar Cheese.  My children’s favorite part about this meal is adding more cheese!   Serve this soup with a garden salad and a fresh loaf of bread for a warm and cozy meal.   What is your family’s favorite soup when the weather turns colder?

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I love my cast iron skillet.  There is just something about cooking your favorite comfort foods in a cast iron skillet that is cozy and rustic.   They say April showers bring May flowers, and last week the rainy weather was perfect for staying in and enjoying some great homemade dinners.  This Chicken Pot Pie is a one pot meal that your family will love.  Flaky homemade crust baked on top of creamy chicken and vegetables is the ultimate comfort food in our home.    This is a whole meal on its own, but would also go great with a fresh side salad.  You can certainly use store bought pie crust if you are in a hurry, but if you have a few extra minutes, make the homemade crust for your family!  After all…isn’t the crust the best part?

* The crust recipe is from Ina Garten

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I love soup when it is snowy and cold, however, it is very easy to get into a one soup routine.  Usually in my house this is because someone is sick and nothing helps soothe a bad cold better than Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.  Don’t get me wrong- I love Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, but sometimes I want to go a little above and beyond with a different type of soup recipe.  This Rustic Italian Wedding Soup requires a bit more time because you are making the meatballs, but the time is well worth it.  Serve this soup topped with freshly grated Parmesan and it is sure to warm you even on the coldest of evenings.

Linking up at Savvy Southern Style & Ginger Snap Crafts & I Heart Nap Time & Be Different Act Normal & Angel’s Homestead & Chef In Training & Reasons To Skip The Housework & Not Just A Housewife & The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen & Housewife How To’s

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It has been really cold and snowy this week so I have been making meals that are make my family feel warm and cozy.  This Chicken Pot Pie recipe gives you all the taste of comfort food, but with half of the prep time.  You can make this with left over chicken and this can be put together in a short amount of time during the busy work week.

This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food.

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