Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

I’m fully aware this is comfort food and not on my “diet,” but we’re all ill and I could use some comfort food tonight: meatloaf, green beans, and these potatoes. Yum!

• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash pepper
• 3 c. milk
• 1 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese
• 6-8 small potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. real bacon bits

Combine first five ingredients in saucepan over medium heat, constantly stirring. Once thickened, stir in cheese until melted, remove from heat, and set aside. Prepare (butter) 9×13 casserole pan, place half of the sliced potatoes in the pan, sprinkle with half of the onions, and pour half of the cheese mixture over it. Repeat layer, then sprinkle bacon bits over top layer. Cover and bake at 350* for 1 hour, then remove cover and bake an additional half hour. This is well worth the wait and feeds 6-8 as a side dish.

Cake Icing

Yum! Who doesn’t love a tasty icing for cakes and cupcakes? My husband celebrated a birthday this week, so I made Devil’s food cupcakes with homemade icing, then dipped them in jimmies, arranged on a cupcake rack, and added a candle. Here is the recipe I used to make the icing…delicious!

• 1 stick of butter, softened to room temperature


• 1 8oz brick of cream cheese, softened to room temperature


• 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream


• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (use more or less based on your preference)


• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Blend all ingredients except for the powdered sugar. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Ice your cake(s) and enjoy!

Garlic-Dill Aioli

As my weight-loss quest continues, I am in a constant search for EASY foods that entice my tastebuds, while remaining natural and as unprocessed as possible. My requirement is that I already have most, if not all, ingredients on hand. Returning from the gym today I was craving something that would jazz up my boring turkey sandwich, so here's my creation:

• 1/3 c. olive oil mayo


• 2 cloves garlic


• 1/4-1/2 tsp. dried dill weed (fresh is best, but it is out of season; go sparingly with fresh)


• Twist or two of fresh ground pepper


• Optional: fresh lemon juice (1/2 tsp.)

Note, all measurements are approximate- I don't measure anything! Mix all together, use as a sandwich spread. Store, covered, in refrigerator.