The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (and Dump Spaghetti)

Hello again! I do apologize for taking so long since my last post. Unfortunately, grad school got the best of me for the first two weeks. I think I am finally caught up, and I promise I will try my hardest not to let that happen again.

Let's move on to a few more important things. Watch this video and see if you can figure what it is and then we'll get to the food.

That's right, lovely people. It's football time! It is officially week two of SEC football. Tomorrow my Bulldogs take on the Auburn Tigers.

That's the Dawg Pound Rock. Just makes you wanna ring a cowbell, doesn't it? I can't wait to ring my cowbell this weekend. It has been far too long since I've gotten to ring it with the rest of the Bulldog family. 

Before we all push ourselves into the stadium two hours before kick-off (you heard that right... 2 HOURS. We're dedicated.), everybody will be in the Junction. For those of you not familiar with the best tailgating location in the SEC (take that TSUN), it's where the fun happens before and after the games.  Most of us are Southerners and fully understand that there is etiquette that must be followed at events like these...(I'm talking to you Mizzou). So, here are some things you need to know. 

1. On Fridays we wear Maroon. It's not called Maroon Friday so that you can wear lime green. We are proud of our school and proud of our teams. This is how we support them. Even if you aren't lucky enough to be in our Bulldog family, show your support. If you don't wear your colors, how are we supposed to know who you are? Sporting your colors is like declaring your allegiance.

2. Saturdays are not opportunities to show off your shorts and t-shirts. I know you're used to just wearing whatever your team colors are, but let's have some style about it. You're in the SEC now.

 

 3. Tailgating. Goodness knows that one of the golden rules around here is not to show up to a party  i.) without an invitation and ii.) with empty hands. In the world of tailgating, if you're wearing the right colors, you're invited so, stop on by and see us if you're just wondering around. We'd hate for somebody not to have a place to go! If you're planning on attending a particular tailgate, don't show up empty handed.  It's not polite. Show you have some manners, y'all. 

4. Don't be "That Guy". You know who he is... How can you miss him when he is walking around stumbling, yelling obnoxiously, and generally acting ridiculous. Don't be that guy. 

5. Don't forget your Bell. You can't ring it if you don't bring it. Hail State!

6. Remember, Pretty is as Pretty does.

 Sometimes it is hard to hide your affection for your team. Other than today being Maroon Friday here on campus, it is also Foodie Friday here on Pretty is as Pretty Does. Things have been pretty busy around our house with both of us back in the full swing of school and all of the fun it entails. I have been making some pretty quick meals lately. I have named this delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, Dump Spaghetti. I adapted this recipe from my Mama's sweet boyfriend, Mike. (Thank you for the recipe!)

Dump Spaghetti

1 pound of ground turkey (or ground beef) (We go with what's on sale)

1 can Hunt's Zesty and Spicy Sauce

1 can Rotel

1 can of Rotel tomato sauce

Cinnamon

Black Pepper

 

1 box Wheat Noodles

Don't mind the coffee pot :)

This one is simple. Brown and cook the turkey in a deep skillet with a lid. There really isn't a need to drain it because it has such a small amount of fat. Once it is cooked pretty well through, dump in the cans. No need to drain the Rotel. Add a few shakes of ground black pepper and about 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. I probably add more though. I don't measure it. (There is no need to add salt to the sauce.)

You may think, oh how odd. Cinnamon in tomato sauce? Just trust me. 

After you get everything added to the sauce, let it come back up to a boil. Turn down the heat, and put the lid most of the way on but leave a bit of a crack. Nobody likes cleaning up the mess it leaves behind without the lid.

Put a pot of water on to boil. I add about 1 TBSP salt to the water right before I add the noodles. Cook them according to the package directions. 

By the time your noodles are done, your sauce is ready to go. If you want to get fancy, add ALMOST done noodles to the sauce and let them finish cooking in the sauce. 

Serve.

This was for lunch. Don't judge.

**Note, if you have small kids eating this or people with temperamental tongues, buy the mild Rotel and maybe switch out the Rotel sauce for a plain ol' tomato sauce. This sauce is a bit spicy, but mighty good. 


Thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful Friday, and remember that pretty is as pretty does.


McKenzie