The creamiest Mac&Cheese I've ever had

I've seen this recipe kicking around Pinterest for a while and I've been wanting to try it, but whenever I get myself ready to make Mac & cheese I either forget to look for it or it doesn't even cross my mind.  But... I've had Mac&Cheese on my mind for days and last night I made up my shopping list with cheese right up at the top.  I've been actively browsing pinterest all week looking for new recipes and ways to cut my grocery budget a bit and I've come across this recipe and variations of it at least a dozen times each day.

It's super simple, like slap yourself in the forehead and wonder why you'd never thought of this.

I found the basic recipe a little boring.. but, I didn't eat all day and I was starving when I got home so I didn't even bother putting the Mac&Cheese in the oven to bread and bake like I usually do.  (I had a choice between putting gas in the old Jeep or using the money to buy myself lunch this week.. guess which one won?)

The next time I make this I'm going to make a few tweaks, but here is the basic recipe.  This does not make enough for a big family meal, but can easily be doubled or tripled.  It was enough for the kid and I for dinner though :)

Super Creamy Mac&Cheese

2 1/2 cups milk
2 cups small or medium pasta shells
1 cup shredded cheese
1/4 tsp Dijon mustard or 1/4 tsp nutmeg (I actually used both, I always do)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I omitted this because I'm allergic)

The original directions called for cooking the pasta in the milk until simmering and then boiling it for an additional 25 minutes.  That is WAY too much cooking time for pasta in my book.

I brought the pasta and milk to a slight boil and then covered it and cooked the pasta according to package directions (about 10 minutes)  After the time was up I left it covered for about an additional 5 minutes then I stirred in the cheese, waited for it to cool a bit and then dug in.

*I'll make this again soon with revisions because like this, it's slightly boring and not as cheesy as I'd like.

I don't have all the answers... BHG bakeware inquiries

A reader had sent me an email on Saturday night regarding a post I made in March, 2011 about the Better Homes and Gardens Non-Stick Bakeware 5-Piece Set. This was bakeware that was sold exclusively by walmart and, in my honest opinion some of the best non stick bakeware that I've ever used (and continue to use today, it's still in perfect condition, I use it for everything).

I couldn't find any information from the Better homes and Gardens site, if you click on the bakeware or appliances tab you are automatically redirected back to the cookware (which by the looks of it is something else that's been discontinued because it's clearance priced and no longer available). I took it upon myself to contact BHG and see if I could get some answers. I tweeted them and also left a post on their Facebook page

Me: Have you discontinued the cookware/bakeware/appliances? I honestly was shocked by their answer and lack of details:
BHG Live Better Hi Ashley – Yes, the BHG cookware, bakeware and small appliances have been discontinued. Thanks so much for being a fan!

I followed up by asking why it was discontinued and never received a response.

I use my bakeware all the time, I use my grind and brew coffee maker every day and my stand mixer is used every time I bake something and for the marshmallows I love to make (and hate to eat).  I'm honestly shocked since they are all very good products.

GLADE EXPRESSIONS® (I'm a BzzAgent)

I'm a Bzzagent So when I got an invite to the Glade Expressions campaign this morning I jumped on the opportunity to try these new products. I love when my home smells good, but it's honestly not always easy with a 65 gallon aquarium with 2 bratty turtles sitting in my living room. Trust me, no matter how good the filter is, it's always going to have some kind of odor. I have a scented oil plug in right under the aquarium to keep the odor at bay and it works very well, but sometimes I'm a little iffy about what kind of fragrance to use in my home.

Glade is here to solve that problem, they create their scents without the use of harmful ingredients:

What’s NOT Inside Matters Even More
If we wouldn’t want it for our family, we wouldn’t ask you to use it near yours. We’ve excluded more than 1,500 potential ingredients from our fragrance ingredients palette. Using our palette, SC Johnson does not formulate its products with:
Alkylphenols (APs)
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)
Diacetyl
Formaldehyde
Nitro musks
Peanut or tree nut derived ingredients
Phthalates including DEP, DBP, DIBP, DPP and DEHP
Or any known carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the European Union’s REACH and Substances of Very High Concern programs, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Carcinogens, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Stylish new oil diffusers that release long-lasting, true-to-life scents
Glade Expressions® Oil Diffuser releases a combination of long-lasting fragrances, without the hassle of electricity. The oil diffuser infuses layers of true-to-life scents throughout even the most open living spaces. The trendy holder matches décor perfectly, making it a convenient and stylish home-fragrancing option.

Glade Expressions® Fragrance Mist comes in a new stylish holder that releases a longer-lasting, finer mist of fragrance. The gentle mist creates layers of true-to-life fragrance that opens up note by note. The chic, newly designed holder blends with your décor for a burst of fragrance that’s always out and available. Just squeeze to spray; then refill the holder with your favorite fragrance.

I'm really excited to get my BzzKit and try out these great new products :)

Almond Milk- make it yourself, it's easy & healthy!

@g33kgurrl This one's for you :)

Last week I made my own almond milk.  Inspired by my friend Shelly I asked her how she did it and she sent me the link to the one she uses @ FoodMonkey.  

I measured the almonds

Put them in an airtight container and added the water

After soaking overnight

This is where I had to make my own rules, because right now I only have the stick blender until I get the part I need for my blender and I don't have a juicer.. But I blended up the soaked almonds and water

Then I strained it through a fine mesh strainer

and Viola! Almond Milk!

When I was finished I added a little home made vanilla and agave.   I add it to my green smoothie in the morning and it's really good.  It's easy to make not to mention healthier and cheaper than the stuff you buy in the grocery store.

Thanks again Shelly for sharing this with me  :) you're such a great inspiration to help me eat healthier and teach the kid also :) ♥

Wordless Wednesday

(Okay, a few words. I didn't make the cake, my cousins friend did. I made chocolate chip cookie dough filled cupcakes. The cupcakes were way better though according to everyone who had one.  I have to make another batch and I will share my recipe.)

Next Birthday:  My Godson's 1st birthday :)