Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Say Cheese! And Vodka!

I think my favorite food is cheese. It always has been. I don't think a meal is complete without it. My roots may be in Minnesota, but there must have been a Wisconsin (Wisconsinite? Wisconsinonian?) and possibly a Russian in the wood pile. Today I had cheese toast for breakfast, leftover homeade mac and cheese (with brisket and edamame) for lunch, and cheesy rice for dinner (with chicken and salad). And, I could actually go for some nice sharp cheddar on some rosemary Triscuits right about now.

My favorite snack for long nights studying in high school and college was cheese, crackers, olives and orange juice. Followed by a swig straight from the vodka bottle (Just joking, Mom!)

Speaking of vodka, did I ever tell you about the first time I ever had a screw driver? Oh. Man. I have to tell you this one. I will leave names and dates out of this (Hi, Mom!). Let's just say I was older than 21 and was hanging out with another person who was also older than 21, who's name rhymes with "Kashley." And, the older sister of one of these people made me a screw driver! And, I tasted it and I spit it out and gagged and almost barfed. Turns out the vodka used was their dad's JALAPENO vodka. With orange juice? I shudder with the memory.

Where was I? Oh yes, speaking of mac and cheese... I have tried unsuccessfully to duplicate my mother-in-law, Jo Anne's, macaroni and cheese. Even with her standing right there instructing me, I just don't think it tastes the same when I make it. She just knows how to make it! I tried a different recipe yesterday from Paula Deen. I made it once before, but it didn't turn out right. This time I really stuck to the recipe. Although, I added some dried minced onion (ala Jo Anne) and it really made it good! I highly recommend it! Here is the recipe. You won't be sorry!


  • 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained (about half a box--resist the urge to throw in extra. It dilutes it and ruins it. Believe me, I have tried it)
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (I used closer to 3 cups)
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (I used light)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces (I only used 3)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • (dried minced onion)

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot and add the cheddar. (Mix to get the cheese melted.) In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish (top with some minced onion to taste and additional cheese) and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese if desired.

Oh yum. Yum yum yum.

Here is what Becca has been doing while I've been cooking. She likes me to come over and occasionally doodle with her as well. Then, she likes to paint her entire body green and blue.

15 comments:

Joel and Angela said...

That is the same recipe I use for macncheese. I love it. My kids hate homemade macncheese. They prefer it from the box. They usually get that when the babysitter comes. That makes them happy!

Jen said...

Wallace,
Ha! Kate was totally doing that exact same thing today! Coloring on some paper with her new glitter pens, and then coloring all over HERSELF and her placemat while I was being inattentive.

I am so going to try that mac & cheese. I have a recipe for a crock pot version, but it no longer satisfies.

Also, is there anything better than cheese? Well, yes, there is chocolate. But cheese is right up there.

artemisia said...

Oh, my. CHEESE. I love cheese more than any other food, hands down.

Thanks for the recipe - I think I'll save this for the weekend.

Unknown said...

You would die and go to heaven here. They have WHOLE isles in the grocery stores with tastings every day.

I'll try that recipe. I LOVE Paula Deen. Her recipes appear on our dinner table once a week, at least. My kids, too, like the box better. But, I figure that if I make homemade often enough and avoid the box variety, they'll forget all about it. I hope.

Andrea and Ben said...

Mmmmmm, cheese. I used to complain about homemade mac and cheese and beg for the blue box. Wierd huh!?

I almost gagged reading about the jalepeno vodka, disgusting!

Anonymous said...

What Brand of vodka do you drink?? I have found some of the high end taste like rubbing alcohol. Mac & Cheese I love home made mac & cheese I also like the the box kind.I don't really remember having mac & Cheese as a kid. Katie I remember your making omlets and using cookie doe instead of cheese.
I think i'll watch the food channel.

The Quinn Report said...

Speaking of mac and cheese, have you ever had Easy Mac? It is the most disgusting thing I have ever had in my life. I can't believe people eat that crap...barf!

Katie said...

Noelle--Strange, I know, but I actually like the boxed kind AND Easy Mac. Crazy. Bring on the cheesy noodles!

Uncle Jim--after the awful jalapeno vodka incident I can't say it was ever really my favorite after that!! I never really developed a favorite brand--but I can tell you it wouldn't be the cheap kinds. Ew.

Katie said...

Uncle Jim--One more thing--I'm pretty sure it was dad who made Chile Rellenos using cookie dough instead of cheese. Or, at least that also happened! What is it with Grandma Sue and her cheese-looking cookie doughs??

Anonymous said...

Bevo has a great vodka story. He (or she) was grazing at a banquet in Leningrad in what was the USSR back then and had an annoying headache. She asked the waiter if the bottle containing clear liquid on the table was water. He said "Ya" and nodded his head. Bevo popped a couple of Nuprin in her mouth and followed it with a huge swig of...yes, "wodka!" Do you think "water" sounds something like "wodka?" Bevo should have figured the waiter's English might not have been all that great. Certainly Bevo's Russian was non-existent.

Yes - it was Mr. Bevo who made chile rellenos stuffed with cookie dough that looked just like cheese. Mr. Bevo must not take lots of tastes as he cooks.

Anonymous said...

Bloody Marys are $18 apiece at Harry's New York Bar in Paris!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, the jalapeno vodka. Tasty stuff. Good thing my sister saved our taste buds with beer--- which I believe was a "forty" that we split on the way to SP's.....

Katie said...

Ohhh...I do love a bloody mary. I wonder what is in an $18 one?? It better have the world's best olives!

Tracy said...

Cheese..mmmm The only thing better than cheese is cheese melted on potatoes.

I love that you are able to let Becca color with pencils, markers and crayons. Covering the table is great. I am too controlling and can't seem to just let them go. GOod on you!

Lysandra said...

Holy Shit, did she draw that kid and the balloons. That's fuckin' talent!