Casserole

After a weekend of looking (and feeling) like this:

I decided we needed a warm, yummy, home cooked, kind o' meal. Therefore, it was time for the once a year "Not Your Average Tuna Casserole" recipe.

Yes, it's full of fat, but I did say once a year. And it is so yummy!

1 (8oz) package wide noodles

(I used a 13 oz box of whole grain rotini)

1/2 butter, divided

(Yes, a whole STICK)

1/4 cup plus 1 tbls flour

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 1/2 cups milk

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1 (6 oz) can tuna, drained and flaked

(I used canned salmon)

1/2 cup slices pimento-stuffed green olives

2 tbls chopped fresh chives

(did not have any)

1 (6 oz) package muenster cheese

(I just had a few slices of swiss to use instead)

1 1/2 cups herb seasoned stuffing mix

Prepare pasta, drain and set aside.

Melt 5 tbl butter in saucepan. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly until bubbly.

Add milk to sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened. Boil for one minute.

Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add tuna, olives, and chives. Remove from heat.

Pour 3/4 cup tuna mixture into casserole dish. In order listed, layer 1/2 pasta, 1/2 cheese slices, 1/2 tuna mixture, remaining pasta, cheese, and tuna.

Melt remaining butter in saucepan, stir in stuffing mix, and then sprinkle that on top of casserole.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Seriously, this is so yummy! So if you're like me and get a craving once a year for tuna noodle casserole, this is the one to try!

And since the little miss is still feeling, and looking and acting like that first picture...I'm thankful we have some leftovers.

Happy Monday!