crab mac 'n cheese.

You can't reeeally go wrong with an Ina Garten recipe. Especially one that involves pasta, creamy gruyere, breadcrumbs and lobster a crustacean.

My mom and I call this recipe adaptation The Poor Man's Lobster Mac 'n Cheese. And let me tell you, if this name is true, I don't ever need to be rich.

As I can't really afford lobster at this point in my lowly post-grad life, this version is perfect for my budget when I want a night of homemade indulgence.

And this dish happens to be the definition of just that. It's easy to whip up and it's the epitome of comfort food. Whenever I drag my sad, malnourished student body home and am granted a meal request from my mother, this is always top-of-mind. 

It's creamy, cheesy, flavourful and rich. So much so that it absolutely needs to be balanced with a side salad like the one you can see glimpses of in these shots. Always a good sign, if you ask me.

Gruyere is one of my favourite cheeses in a pasta. I love its slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Its creamy melty-ness is balanced by the supple crabmeat and ample crispy breadcrumbs in this dish. 

Basically, make this for yourself next time you're hosting a special at-home dinner, have had a long day or are just craving the ultimate dinner treat. Or, just... tonight. The recipe we follow is this one, although I've seen it done with the addition of fresh tomatoes (Veggies? Imagine?) We substitute the lobster with fresh crabmeat.

However you choose to make it, lobster or crab, tomatoes or tomato-free, I'm preeeeetty sure it won't disappoint.