The cleaning out of the freezer has come to an end. The Last Supper is a Ham and Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. One ham steak, one chicken breast, a half-bag of peas, and three different cheeses with bread crumbs made from a stale baguette. It’s the ultimate leftover meal.

I opened the freezer this morning and was marveling at the spaciousness when the light bulb burned out. The poor thing was ashamed to be so empty. I put in a new bulb and promised it wouldn’t be empty long – I was heading out to go shopping.

It’s actually fun to figure out meals based on what’s in the kitchen. It definitely makes for some one-of-a-kind creations. It’s also good that neither of us are fussy eaters. We were both raised back in the day when you ate what was put in front of you. I’m still the same way – if you’re cooking, I’m eating. There are foods I will not buy and there are plenty of things I avoid, but I’m an easy guest.

So… I made a meaty mac & cheese. The one food I have never – ever – purchased and have really only tasted a few times in my life is boxed mac & cheese. I would probably have to make an exception and feign illness if you were serving it to me for dinner. I don’t think I could do it. But homemade mac and cheese?!? I’m there! It’s just so easy to make! And dayum, is it good!

Tonight’s batch started out with one ham steak and one chicken breast. I cut both into small pieces and tossed them into a skillet. I let the ham brown and the chicken cook and then added about 2 cups of chicken broth – also left over.

I brought it to a boil and let it reduce a bit. I then added about 2 cups of whole milk. I bought the whole milk for the rice cake, so it was also a leftover.

When it came to a boil, I added about a half-bag of frozen peas. I lowered the heat and added muenster cheese, Irish cheddar with porter, and some jack cheese – all shredded. Stirred it all in and then added a bit of cornstarch to thicken. The only seasoning was salt and pepper.

I stirred in the cooked elbow macaroni and topped it with bread crumbs mixed with butter, garlic, paprika, salt & pepper.

Into a 350° oven for 45 minutes.

It was creamy, crunchy, and rich with lots of flavors and textures going on. The cheeses all worked great together and the garlicky breadcrumbs  were the perfect touch. Major comfort-food with a twist.

So I guess meals will be a bit more planned for a while, but give me a couple of months… I went shopping today and already started filling the shelves…