There’s no quicker way to bring us back to our childhood than catching a whiff of homemade mac-and-cheese or building your own hulking ice cream sundae with all the fixin’s. While the child in you remembers the comfort and the yumminess, your adult self thinks your palate could do better, right? Now you can have the best of both with these “grown-up” recipes for some of our personal favorites. Here, 5 upgrades on your favorite childhood foods.
The ULTIMATE Mac-and-Cheese
Our Goodtaste version neither looks or tastes like the mac-and-cheese you remember. In fact, it’s way better! This recipe skips the roux in a traditional, homemade mac-and-cheese and uses American cheese instead. This works because American cheese has a secret ingredient – you’ll have to read the recipe to find out – that gives the sauce a Velveeta-like creaminess. Then we use more complex aged cheddar and gruyere for a truly addictive and all-ages-approved cheese sauce.
Sloppy Joes
Trust us, Adam Sandler’s “Lunch Lady” would sing all day about this Bon Appétit version of a classic Sloppy Joe. Not only because of its versatility – you can use carrots and celery instead of bell peppers, brown sugar instead of molasses or remove the chili powder and red pepper entirely – but also because it just tastes so darn good! Tip: Make the meat mixture up to three days ahead, then cover and chill until you’re ready to reheat. This helps intensify the flavor and the meat becomes super tender.
The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Granted, these chicken nuggets don’t come with a toy, but you won’t miss it once you taste this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen. This version is healthier and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen like panko breadcrumbs, eggs, almond milk and everyday spices. The key to this dish is to toast you breadcrumbs before breading and baking so that they have the golden brown crust you crave.
DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar
You’re probably thinking, “How could anyone improve upon an ice cream sundae bar?” We were up to this sweet challenge and found a way with – are you ready for it? – homemade toppings! Of course, any child knows a great ice cream sundae is all about the toppings. Our grown-up spin is to create Tahini-Chocolate Sauce, Salted Whiskey Caramel and a Lavender-Scented Blueberry sauce.
Grown Up Ants on a Log
This recipe from Fifteen Spatulas offers a unique approach to classic Ants on a Log. While this might look like your childhood version, there are no raisins or peanut butter to be found here! Instead, she pipes a spiced goat cheese into the little celery boats and tops them with toasted nuts and dried cherries. It has the salty-sweet crunch you remember, but in an entirely grown-up package.
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