Do you like nursery rhymes? I did. I still do. Of course we all know I’m just a big kid anyway. Some things never change. I don’t really want to grow up. Not all the way. That would have way too many implications on life as I know it. I could no longer make silly lyrics for songs, or turn the radio as loud as it will go and car dance like a maniac. I guess I would have to stop blowing bubbles in my drinks through a straw, albeit, they are a little higher octane these days. And what on earth would I do with all of my fairy dust?

Yeah, I’m not ready to give any of that up yet. Probably never.  Nope. I think I will remain perpetually seven.

As a kid, my favorite time of the day was in the afternoons when mama came home from work. We would sit on the swing for hours, sing songs and recite nursery rhymes. Her favorite by far was “On Top of Old Smokey”. I liked to sing the “On Top of Spaghetti” version. Geez. I was even a foodie back then. SMH. For some, I reckon’ it’s our destiny. Why fight it?

Have you ever realized how much food is actually mentioned in kids stories? There was Goldilocks and the bears eating porridge, there was Snow White’s apple, and Little Miss Muffet and her curds and whey. I mean what is a curd? It took me until last week to figure that one out. I know. Sometimes I’m a little slow.

Turns out, curds are pretty cool things. They squeak! I mean like really squeak when you eat them. No wonder Miss Muffet was so hot on those. And speaking of Hot Miss Muffet, be very careful if you ever Google an image of Miss Muffet like this one.

This is so sweet! BUT, believe me, some of those photos are NOT the sweet Little Miss Muffet I grew up with. Since when did this chick start wearing stilettos and fishnets? Those were the mild ones. I mean really. Those photos should come with a disclaimer, and whoever dressed her that way should be flogged.

In this image however, she looks very happy with her curds and whey. I was very happy with my curds as well. I actually found real curds y’all! Enter Poutine.

I know, I know. The curds are supposed to be all melty. Well, they were, but after I took the photos. I couldn’t wait. Patience is not my strong suit.

Now in NO WAY is this Southern girl attempting to tell you about this dish as it is clearly NOT a southern staple. But I will tell you, this stuff is good. I mean really good! Crispy fries, rich gravy and melty cheese? How can you go wrong?

The only catch to this was the bag of curds is pretty big and I would have to make about 112 servings of Poutine to use them all. So. Hmm. What to do with all those extra curds? Put them in pasta of course! Why not? Didn’t we just discuss this? I am still a kid! I know not what I do 😉

Baked Macaroni Alfredo with Meat Sauce…and Cheese Curds!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 box large elbow macaroni, cooked – Any pasta would really work with this recipe
• 4 cups of your favorite marinara sauce – homemade or jar
• 1 pound ground meat – sirloin, chicken, turkey or Italian Sausage
• 4 cups garlic Alfredo sauce
• 1 package cheese curds – If you can’t find these, you can substitute Mozzarella balls or grated cheeses such as Mozzarella or Monterrey Jack
• 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, all cheeses and Italian seasoning. Pour into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Brown meat and add sauce. Remove dish from oven, and pour meat sauce on top of casserole. Serve with salad and bread.

      

I like curds. …and fairy dust. Bon Appetit y’all!