I collect frogs. I have frog dishes, napkins, place mats, glasses, jewelry, clothing and a curio cabinet with about 700 frogs from all over the world. They are made of everything you can think of and even one is carved from a mushroom. I remember the first one I bought and when my friends saw it, they now knew the perfect gift for me. This started in 1971 and since then, I have bought very few. But this little cutie, sits by my stove and helps give the cooking spoon a place to rest and is just one of my favorites.

So here is a favorite old recipe that I have made for years, using my spoon rest. Very easy. The recipe calls for frozen macaroni and cheese. I buy 2 packages of 12 ounces each and defrost them in the microwave since you need to be able to mix and spread them. I use a level 6 for about 5 minutes, stir and another 30 seconds. But every microwave is different and you need to thaw them completely.

If you don't want to use spices, you may substitute ½ package of a taco seasoning mix. I like the spices better since they don't have all the sodium the packages offer.

You can make this dish early in the day and then just heat for serving. I would add about 5 to 10 minutes more if you are putting a cold casserole in the oven. Or let it sit on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes to help warm up before baking. All the ingredients are cooked, you are just heating it and browning the top.

Serve this with cornbread and a salad or coleslaw. You will leap for joy!

Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

2 pkgs – 12 oz each of frozen macaroni and cheese, thawed

½ pound ground beef

1 tsp chili powder

¾ tsp paprika

¾ tsp cumin

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

Dash of cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp sour cream

1/3 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

Shredded cheddar cheese

Tortilla chips, crushed

Cook beef in skillet and drain fat. Stir in spices and cook for another minute. Use an 8 inch square glass baking dish and spray with non stick cooking spray. Combine one package of thawed macaroni and cheese in a small bowl with the sour cream and blend well. Spread mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with ground beef mixture. Spread the other package of macaroni on top of the beef mixture. Top with cheese, tomatoes and crushed tortilla chips . Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes.

Susan Lang makes greeting cards which are for sale at Stephen's Hair & Boutique located at 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. #12 in the Bull Dog Shopping Center. Each card is different and has a message sure to make you laugh and some also come with recipe cards. While you are there, grab a new outfit for dinner!