rainy day to-dos

don't know how the weather is where you are, but today is gray and rainy here in the northeast.  unlike many, i've always been a fan of rainy days.  there's something about the gray skies that makes everything feel cozier : )

in case you're under cloud cover too, i've pulled together some rainy day essentials to keep you smiling no matter what the weather's doing.

drink this: nothing is homier than hot tea on a gray day.  my personal favorite is chai.  i love the spiciness of it.  i let my tea steep for a few minutes, then add 1 tsp of sugar in the raw & 1 tbsp half & half.  (much tastier...and healthier...than starbucks' super sugary chai tea latte)

watch this: your favorite movie from when you were younger.  on my list would be father of the bride (with steve martin), only you or an alfred hitchcock flick

eat this: comfort food!  rainy days call for some old-fashioned staples.  like chicken soup, mac & cheese or some kind of yummy baked good.

do this: give yourself a break and indulge a bit.  read a book, take a bath or listen to some soft music.  rainy days are a great time to embrace the quiet and slow down.

rain, rain (don't) go away : ).

day o' food & mac n' cheese recipe

so, yesterday (as you know) was craig's birthday.  needless to say, i had a lot of food things planned.  i drove out to meet him for lunch during his lunch break.  we went to this place by his work that is rumored to have "the best" chicken caesar salad...and it did not disappoint.  besides having a yummy creamy caesar dressing and crisp romaine and buttery croutons, it also was topped with marinated portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions and breaded & baked chicken.  wow!  for dessert (yes, we got dessert with lunch.  it was his bday after all...) we shared a creme brulee.  the lemon zest they added to the custard was the perfect touch.

caesar salad

when i got home, i wrapped presents, set the table and finished making his cake.  well, actually not a "cake" per se, he requested a ganache tart with a peanut butter swirl.  fancy : )  i modified the recipe {here} with a peanut & pretzel crust, then added globs of pb to the ganache filling and topped with chopped peanuts.  completely decadent.

for dinner i whipped up homemade mac n' cheese and marinated chicken roll-ups filled with sauteed veggies.  we uncorked a bottle of bubbly and toasted the birthday boy.  good food.  good time : )

mac n' cheese

16oz medium shells
2 1/2 cups italian cheese blend (mozz, parm, prov)
2 cups sharp cheddar
2 cups milk
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
salt & pepper
dash of red curry optional (about 1 tsp)

topping:
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

cook pasta according to the directions on the package.  drain.

heat the milk in a small pot, but do not boil.  melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and add flour.  over low heat, cook for a few minutes.  add the hot milk while whisking & cook for 1-2 min more, until thickened.

off the heat, add the shredded cheeses, 1 tablespoon salt & pepper.  add the cooked pasta and stir well. pour into baking dish.

sprinkle topping over mac n' cheese.  bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.  yummmmmmy!!!


present opened: vintage 1950s cocktail shaker!

it was a wonderful birthday!  (and i think craig enjoyed it too : )

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