What's Cookin' Wednesday

Bust-A-Gut

Yep, that's the name of the dish folks.

I was first introduced to Bust-A-Gut when I worked as a social studies teacher in a home for troubled adolescents. Some of my students would invite me to stay for dinner (cause I was the coolest teacher in the place - not tryin' to brag or anything) and Bust-A-Gut was often on the menu.

Bust-A-Gut (not the official name, I'm sure) was the name some of the girls gave this recipe because "it's so good, you eat so much you bust your gut." (Their words, not mine.)

I've always found it best not to name your food after what it does to your body. Can you imagine? I'd have to call my white bean chili "Gives Me Gas." Ewwww.

So getting back to the recipe . . . I don't really have one. All I can do is describe how to make this. It is not health food, my friends. It is not a classy recipe to serve company. It is good, though . . . if you're not too embarrassed to admit it.

Cook a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese according to the package but add only the powdered cheese mixture. (Skip the milk and butter.) Add to that about 3/4 pound of browned ground beef. Stir in a can of drained diced tomatoes. Add about 1-1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and a few big dollops of sour cream. Sprinkle in some taco seasoning (to taste) . . . about half the package or so. Heat on the stove top until warm and the cheese is melted.

I was going to add some Alicia Keys for your cooking pleasure but Alicia is a little too classy for Bust-A-Gut. You're gonna need to dance off some calories if you eat this anyway.

Go listen to a little Ricky Martin and TRY not to dance. I'll bet you can't . . .

While you are dancing, imagine that Ricky is singing this song about you. Your lips are devil red and your skin's the color mocha. You're living la vida loca!!!!! (Yep, right there in your kitchen with your raggedy sweats on.)