Cheesy Potatoes from Newlywoodwards

We're still living (what is hopefully still) the high life at the beach, so I have a wonderful Guest Post Recipe to share with you today! I am so pleased to welcome Kim from Newlywoodwards to my blog. Take it away, Kim....
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Hello, Serenity Now-ers. I'm Kim from NewlyWoodwards and I was thrilled and flattered when Amanda asked me to share a recipe with you. But mostly I was surprised. Because I wouldn't consider myself someone who has much to offer in the ways of recipes.

To tell you a secret, I had never really cooked anything (besides my momma's chocolate chip cookies) until I got married four years ago. The wake up call? My grandmother loudly pondering why I would even need all these nice kitchen gadgets at my bridal shower. "She's never going to use these things anyhow."

Yikes! Well, I really showed her. And my grandma is proud of me for getting lots of use out of my lovely kitchen items. But, I don't really do anything fancy or difficult in the kitchen. I just like simple and yummy recipes. So, I wondered why Amanda said she liked my recipes and wanted me to share.

Then I realized - I guess lots of us are looking for simple recipes that people rave over.

And that's what this recipe is. EASY - only five ingredients. And it's something people will love. I know lots of you make cheesy potatoes. But I'm telling you. This is the best and easiest cheesy potatoes recipe ever. And sometimes they are gone before I even get some.

And of all the recipes I've posted on our blog, I get the most response from this one. Someone just emailed me last week to tell me that it was the hit of the party on the 4th. So, there. My invisible friends tell me it's good.

I find this to be the end-all-be-all of potluck recipes. It's something my mom made, and I can remember eating this as a kid. I don't even bother to make anything else anymore. It's just not worth it. One time I dared to show up at Easter with homemade brownies. My family nearly revolted.

One of the last times I made them, Ryan told me that his buddies were all asking, "who made the potatoes?" Oh yeah.... they were that good. Even had the guys talking about them.

What these potatoes are not is healthy. So, if you are dieting, don't even try it. You'll eat the entire pan in one sitting. (Not that I'd do that. Master of self-control.) This is why it's best to make this for a potluck. It's just not worth the (beautiful) agony of eating it all yourself.

So, that's about the most set-up you'll ever get for a quick and easy recipe...

My Momma's Cheesy Potatoes
Melt together the following in the microwave until thick and smooth:
1/2-3/4 stick of Velveeta cheese (I usually err on the more-Velveeta side.)
1 stick butter
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar)
1/2 cup half-and-half

Pour melted mixture over one bag of shredded, frozen potatoes (hash browns). Mix together until cheese is spread evenly throughout the potatoes. Refrigerate over night to soak up the cheese. Top with another cup of shredded cheddar and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Eat and promptly die over how good it is. You're welcome. ;)

Thanks to Amanda for having me. Isn't she the greatest? And if you aren't yet tired of me, check us out over at NewlyWoodwards. We do some cooking, but mostly we renovate, garden and hang with our two pugs.

And now the most important question....

What's your favorite potluck recipe?
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I found Kim's blog ages ago, and have most recently enjoyed the amazing series she is writing to document the ongoing renovation of their new home. And when I say "renovate," I mean ren-o-vate...they have seriously gutted that place, and it is quickly becoming a real show stopper! I love Kim's sense of humor, and her blog is a constant source of inspiration, be it crafty, foodie, or housey stuff. She hit the nail on the head when she said that many readers are looking for recipes that are both simple and delicious--I know I am. Please stop by Newlywoodwards and tell Kim I sent you!