Ghetto Tuna Casserole

We almost had plans tonight... but they fell through. And when you tell a two year old that you're doing something or going somewhere and then you don't... you'd better think of something else to do to distract them. So I asked Nola what she wanted to do. She said she wanted to take pictures. It was dinner time and I needed to make something quick because Logan was getting restless so we compromised. A Food Photo Shoot! So here is our photo shoot of what we proudly refer to as Ghetto Tuna Casserole.

First of all you need to start with all store brand ingredients:
Schnucks Brand Macaroni & Cheese - one box
Schnucks Brand Tuna - one can
Schnucks Brand Peas - however many you have left over
Schnucks Brand Cheese Slices - just one will do
And the regulars: milk, butter, salt & pepper

First, boil some water in a pot. I think that's pretty obvious, but directions are directions.
Then completely cook the box of macaroni noodles.
When that's done I start to get the rest ready.
I like to drain my tuna and peas directly into the pasta strainer in the sink.
Nola pours these things in - not too much she can mess up here.

Leave the tuna and peas in the colander.
Drain as much of the pasta water directly into the sink, not through the strainer.
The rest, just pour on in.
The heat of the water and pasta warms up the tuna and peas.

In your empty pot, with heat still on medium to low, toss in a clump of butter and your slice of good ole processed cheese!
(the kid does this part too - she's good at dropping things in)

Then pour in some milk, a large splash.
And add some salt and pepper.

Stir that up and then you add the magic powder.
The neon orange mystery cheese powder.
Where that color comes from is one of the mysteries of the universe I think.
Either way, pour it in and stir it up.
Turn off heat while stirring so your milk doesn't burn.
Burnt milk tastes like crap.

Now it's time to combine it all together.
Dump your colander full of goodies into the pot.
Fold! Fold! Fold!
Don't stir too hard or you will mush up all your peas and have what looks like vomit.

Now, get out your best China... or Chinette... or paper!
Pile on as much as you think you can eat.
But don't worry, it saves pretty good.
Throw the rest in to a tupperware and microwave it for later.

And there you have it!
Ghetto Tuna Casserole.
Also know as: Macaroni & Cheese, Tuna & Peas (it rhymes you see)

All that's left is to season it to taste.
You can stick with basics, salt & pepper...
Or you can toss a little bread crumbs on top,
maybe even some Parmesan cheese, aka Shaky Cheese.

I will say this....
I do not advise you to put your two year old's dish in front of her on the table and go make a bottle with the task of "season to taste" at hand. My kid really likes pepper.

We had to throw this bowl away and get a new serving.
And I think we all sneezed through dinner.
Oh well!
I hope you have enjoyed our little Food Photo Shoot with bonus recipe.