Simple Alfredo Sauce

Making homemade pasta has been on my "want to learn" list for sometime now but I still have not done it... so to still get some fresh flavor I do try and make my sauces. There is nothing wrong with that jarred goodness y'all, but once you try this and see how simple it is to make I think you will become a believer in the homemade version too!

If you are feeling something tomato based check out this Savory Meat Sauce, but if you are like me and sometimes just want allllll the butter, cream and Parmesan this Simple Alfredo Sauce is the perfect fix. Bonus: it can be made within 10 minutes and likely with ingredients you already have on hand.

It goes great with any kind of pasta (pictured above with rotini) and you can top with whatever protein or veggies your little heart desires. We recently went with leftover meatballs and had no regrets. : )

What You Will Need:
2 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup half and half
⅓ cup (low-sodium) chicken broth
salt & pepper to taste (I used about ⅛ teaspoon each)
dash of red pepper flakes, optional
½ cup Parmesan cheese (or more), freshly grated
green onion and parsley for garnish

Directions:
Step One
Over medium heat, melt butter in a skillet. Add in minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring so it does not burn.

Step Two
Add in half and half, chicken broth, and spices. Let it come to boil, lower to a simmer and let it cook for about five-six minutes, or until it slightly thickens up.

Step Three
Remove from heat, stir in cheese and immediately mix with whatever pasta you are using. Top with desired meat and/or veggies and garnish with green onions and parsley, if desired.

Eat. Enjoy. Repeat. xo--

Fried Pickle Chips

Who doesn't love fried pickle chips?! If you have not tried them before you are missing out... trust me. These are the perfect tailgating or half-time treat during college football,  the Super Bowl or just about anytime you need a delicious crunchy fix. You will want to eat them all, so make sure to double or triple if you are feeding a crowd!

What You Will Need:
1 egg
½ cup milk
¾ cup cornstarch, divided
½ cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon each paprika, salt, pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
About 3 dozen dill pickle slices
Canola oil

Ingredients for Fry's Dippin' Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon horseradish
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper

Directions:
Step One
First, assemble Dippin' Sauce and refrigerate until ready to eat. 

Step Two
With a whisk, beat egg and milk in small mixing bowl. Place 1/4 cup cornstarch in another shallow dish. In a third dish, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch & cornmeal with the rest of the ingredients above.

Step Three
Dip cold pickle slices in the plain cornstarch, then the egg wash then the cornmeal mixture. Set aside.

Step Four
Heat canola oil in cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Fry until golden brown; about 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve with Dippin' Sauce (or ranch if that's your preference).

Enjoy!