Rethinking Velveeta Cheese (Really)

Even though I live in America's dairyland (or maybe because I do) I haven't eaten Velveeta cheese in approximately two decades. At least. I mean I remember my mom would cook with it sometimes when I was a kid, but eventually she moved on and so did I. The only exception is my friend Joan's pepperoni dip*, essential for Superbowl parties or other casual get-togethers involving watching people hit each other on TV.

Well, these days Velveeta is trying to remind us that their cheese is a budget-friendly ingredient for your dinner table and to do that, they put together the Velveeta Casserole Challenge. They asked 5 bloggers (sidebar, isn't it nice that they asked mom bloggers to do this, rather than celeb chefs or regular old celebs--you know, people who don't cook for themselves anyway?) to come up with recipes using Velveeta. Oh, and the recipes have to feed a family of four for under $10, with enough leftovers for a second day's meal.

Now through Sunday, you can go on the site and vote for your favorite recipe. I chose Melissa's Queso Chicken Black Bean & Rice Casserole, because hello, it has tortilla chips on top--my kids gobbled it right up. Plus it's quick and easy to make, especially if you have any leftover chicken or rice on hand already. If you have budget cooking tips of your own, submit them for a chance to win some prizes of your own.

My husband also whipped up his own recipe, macaroni and cheese using spinach noodles (trying to slip a bit of nutrition past the children). He is by far the better cook in our household and was pleased with how easy to use and meltable the Velveeta was. See for yourself with recipes at Velveeta's site.

*Or try the pepperoni dip: Chop up a package of pre-sliced pepperoni into little bits (use a food processor). Melt a block of Velveeta, then stir in the pepperoni bits. Serve hot with soft pretzel pieces for dipping.