Dinner Journal #2
Annie's Hamburger Helper
1 package Annie's Shells and Cheese With Aged Cheddar (or white cheddar)
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup milk
1/3 lb lean ground beef
1/4 of a very large yellow onion (or half a medium one), finely chopped
1 thick slice of extra-sharp cheddar (use the same color as the Annie's), chopped
garlic
black pepper
Prepare the Annie's as per it's instructions. While it is boiling, cook the beef and the onions in a frying pan with 1 tbsp of butter over high heat. Stir it very frequently, adding garlic and pepper to taste (be generous). As the oil cooks down, the beef and onions will begin to darken. Keep stirring so that nothing burns or sticks to the pan , but let it cook until the onions are dark around the edges and the beef is well done.
When the shells have finished boiling, drain them and add the butter, milk and cheese sauce as directed on the package, but also add the beef-onion mixture and the chopped cheese. Stir until all the cheese and butter is melted (you may have to put it back on the heat for this, but if you do, make it very low heat). Serve with a vegetable side (steamed broccoli goes well).
Notes: This is quick to make and is an absolutely delicious meal for two. If you are eating it alone, it is hard to stop. Personally, I like the yellow cheddar variety better (though both ways are very good), but for those of you in Vermont, quality white cheddar may be much easier to come by. Goes great with beer.