Warning: 9 year anniversary present = cookware!

So what do you get from your husbands for your 9 year wedding anniversary? Evidently cookware! :)

Actually, it is just what I wanted....oh and the fact that he has one of the new Pandora bracelets on order doesn't hurt!! (Great job, Honey!!)

I was looking around one of my favorite places in Grand Rapids, Wealthy at Charles, and I fell in

love with the organic cookware set they sell.

OSCURO organic cookware handmade from Columbia.  It is so versitile, just what I need!  From the microwave to the stove top, into the oven, or even on the grill!!  For impatient cooks like me, you can even cook on the stove top with a high flame! :)

This cookware is so nice looking that I can cook in it and then use it as a serving dish. Less to wash, another huge bonus for me...or actually that part benefits my husband! :) Or you can pop the cookware right into the dishwasher!!

Honey, thank you so much! My only hope is that I do not have to wait until Anniversary # 10 to get my next piece...HINT HINT!!

Mac & Cheese Grows-Up!

I often joked that I had the palate of the 5 year old...but I have broadened my scope over the years.  However, sometimes there is just nothing like some good old macaroni and cheese to soothe the soul!

Here is my grown up version that my husband and I made over the weekend. It was very creamy and the gorgonzola gives it a great rich, grown-up flavor! :)

1 box of macaroni - (penne, rotini...your choice!)

1/4 c butter
1/3 c flour
3 c milk

12 oz cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
2 oz gorgonzola
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 splash of worchestire sause
1/2 tsp fresh garlic
1/8 tsp pepper (white or black)


Make a roux of the butter and flour - then slowly add the milk, stir constantly.  Once the mixture thickens (about 12 minutes on medium heat) turn off the burner and add in all the other ingrediants except macaroni.  Once the cheese has melted add in the macaroni mix it all in and then pour it into a baking dish.  I used two 5X9 dishes, but a 13X9 dish would work too.  I also have some small serving size baking dishes, you can use those if you have them to make individual portions.

TOPPING:

1 sleeve of ritz type crackers (we use aldi brand - they taste the same)

1 1/2 - 2 tbsp butter

melt the butter in a pan

crush crackers and add them to pan with butter and stir to coat all crumbs.

Spoon the topping over the mac n cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

DIG IN!!