Cheesy Chili Hamburger Helper

I wanted to make my own hamburger helper, instead of buying the pre-packaged stuff. This is better than any packaged hamburger helper I've ever had in my entire life, and I will most definitely be making it again.

1 lb ground beef
1 cup hot water
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a small bowl, mix corn starch, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar and paprika. Set aside.

Brown ground beef in a large skillet, drain.

Add hot water, then add milk. Then add the pasta and the spice mixture. Stir thoroughly, and bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer on low for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. When there are about 3 minutes left, stir in the cheese, then cover again for the final few minutes of cook time.

When the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, turn off heat and uncover. Let stand for up to 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken. Stir and serve.

(Note: I found this recipe at the following website: http://chickensintheroad.com/cooking/homemade-hamburger-helper/ and they have plenty of other hamburger helper ideas there as well that I may try in the future)

Brown Sugar Biscuits

These are not your average cinnamon rolls, and they are awesome. They took very little time to prepare, and they taste amazing. Alex says they're "addictive", so there must be something to them. I found the recipe online and modified it a little bit. As always, I will post the original recipe and then list my modifications.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup butter flavored shortening

2/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup brown sugar

5 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, or use parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in milk and vanilla. Knead briefly on a floured surface. Roll out into a large rectangle, 1/2 inch thick. Spread softened butter onto surface of dough. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over butter. Roll tightly, and cut into 12 equal slices. Place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

My Modifications: 

1. I didn't have any cream of tartar, so that got omitted. 

2. I didn't have butter flavored shortening...so I used actual, real butter. 

3. Instead of spreading real butter on the dough, I used Becel olive oil margarine.

4. I used about 1/2 cup of brown sugar and only 3 teaspoons of cinnamon. We feel that any more cinnamon would have been way too much. I didn't put all of it in the dough...the leftovers got sprinkled onto the parchment paper so the bottom of the rolls would be caramelized and yummy.
5. I actually baked mine for about 25 minutes.