Recipe(tried): Comfort food for a dark cloudy day - Macaroni and Beef, Chocolate Pudding

Today has been a really stormy day, the kind of day when you just want to stay indoors and watch a favorite TV show or read a good book. In keeping with the theme of the day, I decided to fix a meal that has been really well-received in my house and one that I know I can rely on for a quick and delicious meal. Tonights meal was Macaroni and Beef with texas toast( I also usually serve a tossed salad) and for dessert a new recipe I discovered in my latest Taste of Home magazine. I hope everyone will give these a try and enjoy them as much as we do.

Macaroni and Beef

1 lb. ground chuck
1/4 c. minced onion (dried)
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. pepper
2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 cup uncooked macaroni

In skillet, brown chuck and minced onion in a skillet(you can also add 1/2 chopped green pepper, I didn't tonight but I have very yummy), drain. Add tomatoes and seasonings, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes (stir to prevent sticking). Add macaroni continue cooking, covered 15 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook about 5 minutes more until sauce is thickend and macaroni is totally tender (as tender as you like).

Chocolate Pudding

2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup milk (I used reduced fat, it was fine)
1/4 cup butter

Place chocolate chips in blender or food processor; cover and blend until chips are coarsely chopped.
In saucepan over med. heat cook milk and butter until boiling. Remove from heat and add milk to processor with chips. Blend utchips have melted and mixture is smooth (doesn't take long at all). Transfer to a dish. Cool in fridge. Serve garnished with whipped cream.

Notes: The pudding was delicious, but it was very rich. I was taken aback (as was my family) by how rich (and a little bitter) it truly was. I think the next time I make it I am going to add a little more sugar to try and make it less bitter tasting. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it, but as it is it might be a little too bitter for little mouths. I also think I might try milk chocolate chips in it in the future.