Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Samism: Macaroni and Cheese

PioneerWoman_MacNCheese The other night it was Sister Knight’s birthday so we had dinner and cake at the park (and if I hadn’t left my camera at my mom’s house I’d have pictures). She asked for Mac ‘n Cheese but I didn’t just want to make Kraft so I went to Pioneer Woman (because she is the woman) and found a trusty recipe there! Here is what ensued today, two days later, when being served the leftovers (I doubled it so we’ve enjoyed it a few days!)

Sammy: Mommy?
Mommy: Yes?
Sammy: When I get married you’re going to have to teach my wife how to make this because it is awesome.
Mommy:  Okay, Mommy will email  her the recipe and I can teach her too.
Sammy: Thanks Mommy!

Head there yourself and try it out!

Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
  • 4 cups Dried Macaroni
  • 1 whole Egg Beaten
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 Stick Or 4 Tablespoons) Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
  • 2-1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 2 teaspoons (heaping) Dry Mustard, More If Desired
  • 1 pound Cheese, Grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt, More To Taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • Optional Spices: Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Thyme
Preparation Instructions

Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.

In a small bowl, beat egg.

In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.

Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low.

Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.

Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.

Add in cheese (reserve 1/2 cup to put on top if baking) and stir to melt.

Add salt and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.

Pour in drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Originally posted by Ree Drummond on August 4 2009

Oh, and one day I’d like to try out her Fancy Macaroni and Cheese

Sunday, June 19, 2011

To Our Daddy–Happy Father’s Day

Not many men would stay home with our crazy boys during the day, (which includes taking Sammy the slow poke to school), do dishes, and play with the boys while trying to fit in homework and studying for his classes before leaving to go to school at night! This time in our life is crazy and Thad and might not get to see each other as much as we’d like but I’m grateful for a daddy who is around for our boys! They love him and I’m glad that they get to be with him while I’m at work!

Enjoy a few of my favorite pictures of him and the boys…

PreppieK_NewportHarborCruise_6-7-11_ 2011-06-07 003EQ_BBQ6-11_ 2011-06-18 038DSCN0528

IMGP2821

IMGP5136

Happy Father’s Day Daddy…we love you! :)

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Family fun at Bolsa Chica State Beach

Uncle Chris came into town which is always a good excuse for the Marcrofts (and all of the extensions of the aforementioned group) to meet at Bolsa Chica State Beach for some food and fun! Danny was so excited about playing in the water this year (you can see his face in the pictures) and of course Sammy and Nathan loved it! It was a beautiful afternoon, there were hot dogs, chips, soda and smores to roast over the fire and we all had a blast. Troy even spotted four dolphins playing close by the shore which was a treat for all of us to see so close to us! Here are a few of the fun pictures from our evening at the beach!

Monday, June 13, 2011

And it’s a…

ultrasound-6-13-11So in normal Marcroft tradition we haven’t told many people that we’re expecting (I like to hide it as long as possible) and if possible tell people after the ultrasound…

So, you’ve been “officially” told and…

…boy #4 will be making his appearance on or around November 14, 2011 (making me 18 weeks).

The boys are super excited and they already have names picked out. Sammy wants to name him Nephi and Nathan wants to name him Nathan. :) I think that is what Sam wanted last time (with Danny) to name him Samuel. It must be the age!

So, we’re super excited to be having another one and a little relieved it isn’t a girl. I know that sounds funny but it is a whole other world and this boy thing is comfy to me. I already know how to deal with bugs, boogers, dirt, trucks, trains and a whole bunch of wrestling!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

“Puppy” K–Fieldtrips

OC Zoo Fieldtrip

I took the day off for this one and played mommy instead of Mrs. Marcroft for the day! We boarded a giant bus, put on our seatbelts (yes, they all have seatbelts!) and headed to the OC. It was a nice little zoo which was perfect for a 1-2 hour jaunt before a nice 12 minute train ride and then a peaceful sack lunch on the beautiful grounds. Sammy was smiling from ear to ear and I was glad that I got to go and play!

Newport Harbor Fieldtrip

I don’t know all of the specs since I didn’t get to go on this one but Thad relayed this much of the story to me since Grandma watched the boys and he got to go. I know that their bus arrived late to the dock and they missed their boat but that one of the girl’s mom’s worked on some of the boats and was able to get one of her employers to take all of the kids out on his boat. They got to be on their a whole hour and even eat lunch on the boat! The kids had a great time!

Related Posts with Thumbnails