New Topic

So, we all know my blogging skills are at an all time low. But I do take some pride in knowing that I blog more than my husband. Anyway, the new topic of "A Picture a Day..." is what Todd and I have been cooking for dinner this summer. Since living at the Spiekers, we have made dinner every Wednesday night. I thought I would share the recipes with you as well as the few desserts Todd has mostly made. Most are from The Food Network at www.foodnetwork.com. Thank you Alton Brown, Paula Dean, and Giada De Laurentiis for the wonders you have provided us with.

First week, we made honey mustard chicken, a Droogsma favorite. But since most (I'm pretty sure all, but I remain optimistic) of this blog's readers are part of that family, I will not bother to share that treasure with you. I will move on to our second week which was Alton Brown's stove-top macaroni and cheese with shake and bake Parmesan chicken. It was an attempt to recreate a Noodles & Company favorite. This is what we were going for.

First, the Mac and Cheese:

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.

I would recommend going with mild cheddar or cut the sharp cheddar with mozzarella or something. It was a bit tangy for our taste, but the noodles and texture were very nice.

For the chicken, follow the instructions for shake and bake and toss the baked chicken on top of the mac and cheese. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the entire bowl, mix in and enjoy. It also makes for easy leftovers.

Now, I must tell you that these recipes are not meant to be healthy food, except the fish sticks. Ironic, right? Don't worry Mom. We won't eat like this all the time. But for a once a week meal, we are just trying some stuff out.

To let you know what is coming, here is a list of recipes to come.

Stir Fry

Egg Drop Soup

Salmon Fish Sticks

New York Cheesecake

Creamy Baked Potato Soup

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garlic Crust Pizza

Italian Street Food

So keep an eye open for what looks delicious!