Last week, The Pioneer Woman posted a macaroni and cheese recipe on her cooking blog. It looked delicious. And I followed the directions perfectly. Apparently, I am not adept at making a roux because the texture of my cheese changed upon baking and curdled.
So because I had not mastered the Mac 'N Cheese, I embarked on a quest to find a delicious, homemade recipe that did not require a roux. After much research online, consultations with friends (thanks Carrie!), I finally found a recipe that seemed to fit my requirements. It was delicious and as many of the reviewers state, it is just as easy as making the Kraft version.
Give it a try...you won't be sorry. I followed this recipe exactly as-is except that I used 5 oz sharp white cheddar and 5 oz of Extra Sharp cheddar. If you don't like sharp cheese, then I am sure it would work well with mild cheddar.
Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese by Alton Brown
Ingredients
* 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 2 eggs
* 6 ounces evaporated milk
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* Fresh black pepper
* 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 10 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
Directions
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Return to the pot and melt in the butter. Toss to coat.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir into the pasta and add the cheese. Over low heat continue to stir for 3 minutes or until creamy.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
i have a crush...
...on Tony from "Dancing With the Stars".
I just think that he is so cute and fun. I know that he is married with children but he is still fun to watch on the show. He seems like such a great guy!!
I don't have a ton to say but there is a lot on my mind. Tomorrow is TAKS day. So that means that everything I've done this year will be judged on April 28th, 2009. Kind of sucks, but I hope that my kids pull through and do something incredible. Here's hoping.....
Today was pretty great. I got up to work out, went to school and taught, came home, finished two aprons, mowed the lawn, made a dinner, and am now just relaxing and watching some DWTS. My favorite night, however, is Tuesday because I'm really getting into "American Idol". I love Danny but he needs to step it up. I think that Adam will win and it would be well-deserved. We shall see...
Allright. Oh, I almost forgot...I planted 20 nandinas this weekend. My poor little flower bed has been neglected for the past 2 years so it was time. If you have any gardening advice, please let me know! My parents don't have the greenest of thumbs so I'm sure I'm doomed to kill everything. But I would really like these plants to thrive ;)
I just think that he is so cute and fun. I know that he is married with children but he is still fun to watch on the show. He seems like such a great guy!!
I don't have a ton to say but there is a lot on my mind. Tomorrow is TAKS day. So that means that everything I've done this year will be judged on April 28th, 2009. Kind of sucks, but I hope that my kids pull through and do something incredible. Here's hoping.....
Today was pretty great. I got up to work out, went to school and taught, came home, finished two aprons, mowed the lawn, made a dinner, and am now just relaxing and watching some DWTS. My favorite night, however, is Tuesday because I'm really getting into "American Idol". I love Danny but he needs to step it up. I think that Adam will win and it would be well-deserved. We shall see...
Allright. Oh, I almost forgot...I planted 20 nandinas this weekend. My poor little flower bed has been neglected for the past 2 years so it was time. If you have any gardening advice, please let me know! My parents don't have the greenest of thumbs so I'm sure I'm doomed to kill everything. But I would really like these plants to thrive ;)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I'm so deep
Yes, I know my latest posts have been full of sage wisdom and insight-ha. Today is not different.
While talking to my bestie, Rebekah, I made a comment about how I thought my eyebrows were sparse and thinning out. I have never been an over-plucker. I just clean up a few strays here and there. Lately, I have noticed that the maintenance on the brows has been less and less. This is great for saving time, but bad if I am, in fact, losing my eyebrows! I refuse to be one of those ladies who draws their eyebrows on with a pencil.
So, I did some research and found that a lot of people had favorable things to say about the Bare Essentials Brow Kit. Off to Sephora I went after work on Monday. The kit was a little pricey, but, I must say I am pleased with the results. It's just a powder that you apply with a brush and it also comes with a clear gel to "set" everything. It's fantastic! I have decided that any problem I have can be solved somehow, someway. This is just another example of that. :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Two more name ideas
As I strolled through Target after school today, I was inspired by some produce. Instead of desserts laden with sugar, how about something a bit fresher? So here are two more ideas....
**Pineapple Punch
**Tangerine Lime
For these, I could use a little lime or pineapple emblem that could be my "trademark".
Maybe I should put up one of those fun little polls...hmm....
**Pineapple Punch
**Tangerine Lime
For these, I could use a little lime or pineapple emblem that could be my "trademark".
Maybe I should put up one of those fun little polls...hmm....
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter hodge podge
Happy Easter everyone! The weather was yucky for the majority of the day, but the sun is shining again and it's so nice out. I love Easter because of what Jesus did for you and me, not to mention all the great candy ;)
Ok. On Thursday night, Melissa and Mack came over. Melissa learned the blanket stitch and helped monogram some aprons. She did great! Mack was working on her wedding book and we all had a great time catching up. One of the things we chatted about was a name for my little Etsy store that I want to start soon. They came up with 'Stitch', which I loved. However, after looking on Etsy and googling the name, it was very popular. So, it's back to the drawing board. Everything I think of seems to be taken already. I get excited and think of something I think is so creative, but then feel stupid because it's been taken already. My favorite was Cotton Candy.
Anyway, here are some things I've thought of that have passed the no-one-else-has-claimed-it test. My goal is to come up with something whimsical or something kind of retro, fresh and fun...hence the food references. I also wanted them to be able to be suitable for both genders. These might be stupid, but I'm brainstorming here. Please let me know what you think!!!
**Red Velvet Designs
**Cherry Cola Designs
**By a Thread
**Apple Pie Designs
**Caramel Apple Designs
**Angel Food Designs
**Sugar Cookie Designs
**stitches and cake (this is a play on a song from "P.S. I love you" called 'Kisses
and cake'...not that anyone will know that)
Feedback is welcome!!!
Ok. On Thursday night, Melissa and Mack came over. Melissa learned the blanket stitch and helped monogram some aprons. She did great! Mack was working on her wedding book and we all had a great time catching up. One of the things we chatted about was a name for my little Etsy store that I want to start soon. They came up with 'Stitch', which I loved. However, after looking on Etsy and googling the name, it was very popular. So, it's back to the drawing board. Everything I think of seems to be taken already. I get excited and think of something I think is so creative, but then feel stupid because it's been taken already. My favorite was Cotton Candy.
Anyway, here are some things I've thought of that have passed the no-one-else-has-claimed-it test. My goal is to come up with something whimsical or something kind of retro, fresh and fun...hence the food references. I also wanted them to be able to be suitable for both genders. These might be stupid, but I'm brainstorming here. Please let me know what you think!!!
**Red Velvet Designs
**Cherry Cola Designs
**By a Thread
**Apple Pie Designs
**Caramel Apple Designs
**Angel Food Designs
**Sugar Cookie Designs
**stitches and cake (this is a play on a song from "P.S. I love you" called 'Kisses
and cake'...not that anyone will know that)
Feedback is welcome!!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
TOMS
Rarely am I on the front end of a trend. However, I can finally say that I was onto something before it really took off!
A couple of years ago, I came across some information about TOMS Shoes. I knew of Blake Mycoskie's family because he is from Arlington and his mom actually wrote a cookbook about fat-free cooking that my mom bought (I was obsessed with it for a while in HS). Also, his sister is my age and went to my rival junior high and we had some mutual friends back in the day. You may have seen Blake and his sister Paige on the "Amazing Race" about 7 years ago. Anyway, I loved the idea of buying a pair of shoes and then some impoverished kiddo in another country getting a pair for free. What a great idea. Shoes are something that we all probably take for granted. So, about this time 2 years ago, I bought a pair of pink and navy TOMS. I haven't really seen many people wearing them at all, but last week, one of my students wore two different pairs. Yesterday, I saw a wireless phone commercial featuring Blake talking about his business. And today in the Walmart parking lot, there was a van covered in TOMS pictures. I guess the word has gotten out!
On April 16th, TOMS is sponsoring "One Day Without Shoes". I am not sure how much I can participate in this, but it's a great idea.
I can vouch for the comfort of TOMS personally...they are so soft and comfy. When I wear them, I get asked if they are house slippers--ha. This is the pair that I want to save up for...so cute and fun!
A couple of years ago, I came across some information about TOMS Shoes. I knew of Blake Mycoskie's family because he is from Arlington and his mom actually wrote a cookbook about fat-free cooking that my mom bought (I was obsessed with it for a while in HS). Also, his sister is my age and went to my rival junior high and we had some mutual friends back in the day. You may have seen Blake and his sister Paige on the "Amazing Race" about 7 years ago. Anyway, I loved the idea of buying a pair of shoes and then some impoverished kiddo in another country getting a pair for free. What a great idea. Shoes are something that we all probably take for granted. So, about this time 2 years ago, I bought a pair of pink and navy TOMS. I haven't really seen many people wearing them at all, but last week, one of my students wore two different pairs. Yesterday, I saw a wireless phone commercial featuring Blake talking about his business. And today in the Walmart parking lot, there was a van covered in TOMS pictures. I guess the word has gotten out!
On April 16th, TOMS is sponsoring "One Day Without Shoes". I am not sure how much I can participate in this, but it's a great idea.
I can vouch for the comfort of TOMS personally...they are so soft and comfy. When I wear them, I get asked if they are house slippers--ha. This is the pair that I want to save up for...so cute and fun!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
things I'm loving this week
Hello there,
I thought I needed to put something else up so that my excited toilet paper purchase would be moved down the list :)
Here are some random things that are bringing joy to my life this week...
1. Coffee with Hillary and Melissa.
I just love these girls and our times together. Their weddings are motivating me to get my arms toned up! ha
2. My bedroom
I found some new bedding over spring break and have moved the bed, gotten some new shears, and put some frames up on the wall. It is slowly becoming a place I enjoy, while previously it was my least favorite room in the house.
3. American Idol
What can I say, it's a guilty pleasure. I really like Danny Gokey and Allison. Adam is growing on me. **This just in--Scott got moved to the bottom 3. I feel sorry for him but he needs to go**
4. Morning workouts
I have a new early morning workout buddy, Kristen. It helps me to get up in the mornings when I know that someone is counting on me to be there.
5. Good Friday
So excited for a day off. It would have been nice to have Monday, but it's all good. I'll take what I can get!
6. Tom Thumb pizza
On Friday, I bought a pizza at Tom Thumb for $5 Fridays. I made it Friday and have had it for dinner for five nights total. What a deal, and it tastes great!!
8. DRESSES!!!!
Last summer, I fell in love with dresses. They are so comfy and make you feel just a tad dressed-up. I can throw my hair in a ponytail and be on my way. The best part is, I still look somewhat put together. I haven't donned a pair of shorts since college except for work out purposes. The discovery of cellulite in the summer of 2000 scarred me forever (I can remember the exact day when I noticed it in Vicksburg, MS--haha). Anyway, check out Ross and TJ Max for great deals. Dresses can be found for $15 or less and they are an entire outfit!! Oh, and I got a nicer one at Stein Mart that I wore today. I got a ton of comments on it so you might want to try that Boutique section of Stein Mart...you can find some cute stuff at great prices!
9. Google Reader
Melissa told me about this Monday and it's awesome. Now I can check my blogs at work without having to click all over the place....just in case Big Brother is watching ;)
10. Laser Hair Removal
Some girls from work and I signed up for this a couple of weeks ago. It's my 30th birthday gift to myself. Anyway, if you want to know more specifics as to what I'm doing, let me know! I'm doing it with American Laser and they have a great referral program so sign up!!! I had my first treatment today and it wasn't bad at all.
That's all I've got for now! Hopefully I'll have something more fun to post about later.
I thought I needed to put something else up so that my excited toilet paper purchase would be moved down the list :)
Here are some random things that are bringing joy to my life this week...
1. Coffee with Hillary and Melissa.
I just love these girls and our times together. Their weddings are motivating me to get my arms toned up! ha
2. My bedroom
I found some new bedding over spring break and have moved the bed, gotten some new shears, and put some frames up on the wall. It is slowly becoming a place I enjoy, while previously it was my least favorite room in the house.
3. American Idol
What can I say, it's a guilty pleasure. I really like Danny Gokey and Allison. Adam is growing on me. **This just in--Scott got moved to the bottom 3. I feel sorry for him but he needs to go**
4. Morning workouts
I have a new early morning workout buddy, Kristen. It helps me to get up in the mornings when I know that someone is counting on me to be there.
5. Good Friday
So excited for a day off. It would have been nice to have Monday, but it's all good. I'll take what I can get!
6. Tom Thumb pizza
On Friday, I bought a pizza at Tom Thumb for $5 Fridays. I made it Friday and have had it for dinner for five nights total. What a deal, and it tastes great!!
8. DRESSES!!!!
Last summer, I fell in love with dresses. They are so comfy and make you feel just a tad dressed-up. I can throw my hair in a ponytail and be on my way. The best part is, I still look somewhat put together. I haven't donned a pair of shorts since college except for work out purposes. The discovery of cellulite in the summer of 2000 scarred me forever (I can remember the exact day when I noticed it in Vicksburg, MS--haha). Anyway, check out Ross and TJ Max for great deals. Dresses can be found for $15 or less and they are an entire outfit!! Oh, and I got a nicer one at Stein Mart that I wore today. I got a ton of comments on it so you might want to try that Boutique section of Stein Mart...you can find some cute stuff at great prices!
9. Google Reader
Melissa told me about this Monday and it's awesome. Now I can check my blogs at work without having to click all over the place....just in case Big Brother is watching ;)
10. Laser Hair Removal
Some girls from work and I signed up for this a couple of weeks ago. It's my 30th birthday gift to myself. Anyway, if you want to know more specifics as to what I'm doing, let me know! I'm doing it with American Laser and they have a great referral program so sign up!!! I had my first treatment today and it wasn't bad at all.
That's all I've got for now! Hopefully I'll have something more fun to post about later.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
can i get a witness????
I just want to testify to this coupon thing. Today, I registered at a few different sites. One of them was Cellfire. It lets you download coupons to your Kroger Plus card. Then, I printed out this coupon which was for $0.50 off. AND, it was doubled at Kroger. I wanted to try this whole thing out just to test it. So, I ended up getting a $1.19 4-pack of toilet paper for free! And actually, I made $0.06 on it :)
How fantastic is this going to be?!?!? I just love a challenge. And I can't wait to get going on other money saving things...especially the CVS Extra Care Bucks. Call me a nerd, but these things make me excited.
How fantastic is this going to be?!?!? I just love a challenge. And I can't wait to get going on other money saving things...especially the CVS Extra Care Bucks. Call me a nerd, but these things make me excited.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
$$$ saving money $$$
Ok. I am still watching "Idol" and watching Megan Joy do her little farewell song. Does she has the most awkward stage movements or is it just me????
My friend (and former roommate) Claire introduced me to this blog. Our home group even did one of her Bible studies. Anyway, I don't check it all that often but today I saw this post and thought it was good for my friends who have families. I have heard of the grocery game and have even done the trial month before, but, it's hard for me to do it just for myself. But there are a lot of other great links on here about coupons, how to get free stuff, and how to even MAKE money at the store. So, here you go...it sounds like it make take a few minutes to register on sites and to get the hang of it, but it seems like it could result in amazing savings!!!
http://allthingshendrick.blogspot.com/2009/04/350-worth-of-groceries-for-125.html
My friend (and former roommate) Claire introduced me to this blog. Our home group even did one of her Bible studies. Anyway, I don't check it all that often but today I saw this post and thought it was good for my friends who have families. I have heard of the grocery game and have even done the trial month before, but, it's hard for me to do it just for myself. But there are a lot of other great links on here about coupons, how to get free stuff, and how to even MAKE money at the store. So, here you go...it sounds like it make take a few minutes to register on sites and to get the hang of it, but it seems like it could result in amazing savings!!!
http://allthingshendrick.blogspot.com/2009/04/350-worth-of-groceries-for-125.html
funky funky
Not much is going on. I'm kind of having a blah week and am in a funk...so I don't want to bring everyone down with a "Debbie Downer" post. School has been challenging and I am really starting to get nervous about TAKS. I was so frustrated today that I started to cry in my 2nd period class because they were not getting the lesson any way that I presented it. Anyway, days like this make me really think about my job and whether or not I'm in the right career. Who knows....
To my friends who have endured me these past few weeks/months, thank you for your patience with me. I hope to be back soon :)
Anyway, the best way to get out of a pity-party is to count your blessings. Here are a few...
1. My brother, Matthew
He has been back in town for a couple of weeks. When I came home last Wednesday, my lawn was mowed, edged, and weed-eated (not sure if that's a word--ha). What a
great surprise! Then today when I got home, I saw his truck in front of my house
and he was working on both of my toilets. One has been running incessantly and
the other's tank hasn't been filling up. But now they both work--wahoo!!!! He has always been a great brother but this was just too much!! I will miss him when he moves to Idaho to work with YWAM :(
2. My job
Even though it has sucked big-time these past couple of weeks, I am grateful to have one in this economy.
3. Marco
The little guy is a pain in my rear sometimes, but he has been extra-cuddly and I love it!
4. spring days
I absolutely love the beautiful spring days we've had off-and-on. It's hard to be in a bad mood when the weather is nice.
5. my sight
I am watching the "Idol" results show and just feel so blessed for my vision whenever I see Scott. He has such a great attitude despite never having been able to see. It kind of puts things in perspective. I am sure he'd give anything to have sight and it's soething I take for granted daily (even though I might actually be legally blind-ha)
I am ready for this week to end and for a better one to come soon :)
6.
To my friends who have endured me these past few weeks/months, thank you for your patience with me. I hope to be back soon :)
Anyway, the best way to get out of a pity-party is to count your blessings. Here are a few...
1. My brother, Matthew
He has been back in town for a couple of weeks. When I came home last Wednesday, my lawn was mowed, edged, and weed-eated (not sure if that's a word--ha). What a
great surprise! Then today when I got home, I saw his truck in front of my house
and he was working on both of my toilets. One has been running incessantly and
the other's tank hasn't been filling up. But now they both work--wahoo!!!! He has always been a great brother but this was just too much!! I will miss him when he moves to Idaho to work with YWAM :(
2. My job
Even though it has sucked big-time these past couple of weeks, I am grateful to have one in this economy.
3. Marco
The little guy is a pain in my rear sometimes, but he has been extra-cuddly and I love it!
4. spring days
I absolutely love the beautiful spring days we've had off-and-on. It's hard to be in a bad mood when the weather is nice.
5. my sight
I am watching the "Idol" results show and just feel so blessed for my vision whenever I see Scott. He has such a great attitude despite never having been able to see. It kind of puts things in perspective. I am sure he'd give anything to have sight and it's soething I take for granted daily (even though I might actually be legally blind-ha)
I am ready for this week to end and for a better one to come soon :)
6.
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