Dee’s Hangout: Great Eats in Panama City Beach, FL

dee's hangout panama city beach

Without Yelp, we probably would have walked right by Dee’s Hangout.  Located in a strip mall, it’s not exactly a high-profile location.  That’s OK.  The tourists can hit Pineapple Willy’s down the block while the true foodies can join me at Dee’s.  We enjoyed it so much the first time, we made it our last stop before heading home to Minnesota.

Both our starters were fantastic.  The she crab soup was out-of-this world, and rivaled one served at the Bubble Room on Captiva  Island (which is also fabulous).  I wanted to lick the bowl when I was done.  The BBQ shrimp was also swimming in flavor.  The sauce, with its Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and butter base was tangy and delicious as well as unique.

My husband ordered the beans and rice.  It’s a simple dish, but since the roux takes a long time to get just right, not one we have too often.  My blackened redfish was also delicious.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the fried mac and cheese balls.  With two kids, mac and cheese is usually the last thing I want to order when eating out – but this doesn’t even compare to the orange stuff in the blue box.

Our server, Kaylee, was outstanding.  Not only was she friendly, she was knowledgeable about the food and the area.  We will definitely be going back, and recommending it to anyone who makes the trip down to PCB.

Frugal Tip:  Don’t forget to check in on Foursquare.  When we did, we got our appetizer for 1/2 off.

Dee’s Hangout

http://www.deeshangout.com/

10440 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida 32407
850-249-4264


dee's hangout panama city beach

dee's hangout panama city beach

dee's hangout

 

 

Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

best ever macaroni and cheese

Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

My kids love macaroni and cheese.  It’s comfort food at its best.  As a mom, I get really tired of the blue boxes and crave the good stuff.  I’ve been experimenting with different variations in search of the best ever macaroni and cheese recipe.  I think I’ve finally hit the nail on the head.  In this version, the sauce is based on Mommysavers Copycat Version of Beecher’s World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe.  I also add tiny bits of Spam, ham or bacon bits for an extra pop of flavor.  However, that’s totally optional.  It tastes great all by itself.

Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8
 
Ingredients
  • 1 1-lb. box elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 C. + 1 C. sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ½ C. grated Monterrey Jack cheese
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×11 casserole pan (or cake pan if you don’t have a glass casserole dish). Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat until melted. Next, whisk in the flour. Continue whisking and cooking for 2 minutes until butter/flour mixture turns light golden brown. Slowly add the milk. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Add 3 C. Cheddar cheese, Monterrey Jack cheese, salt, chile powder and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated.
  2. Blend cheese and elbow noodles and place in a greased 9×11 casserole dish. Top with additional Cheddar cheese and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly.