Christmas and end of year reflections

Today is the last day of 2011. It's been an interesting year for both R and I, especially with some places R has traveled for work. We're both looking forward to our travels and journey through 2012. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or is enjoying celebrating Kwanzaa (whatever holiday you may celebrate). We've had an interesting couple of weeks here in MD. I worked 8 days in a row to be able to to take off for Christmas weekend, and had a wonderful weekend celebrating with R. We were invited to a family friend's house for Christmas Eve dinner which was fantastic to see friends we haven't seen in a few months! Christmas morning we woke up and Skyped opening presents with R's family. I called my parents later that day as well. We had a very relaxing day (much needed after the craziness of both our recent schedules).

On Tuesday, I learned that another of my much loved great uncles had suddenly passed away the day after Christmas. My uncle Bob was the one brother of my grandfather's that my Dad always said reminded him the most of my grandfather, in both looks and mannerisms (both my grandfathers passed away when my parents were children, so it was to my great uncles that I looked to for that grandfatherly relationship). He was very straightforward and it never seemed to bother him whether you agreed with him or not, he just enjoyed the conversations. He was also very well known for his stories and I have so many precious memories of visiting with him and my aunt Barbara. One of my favorites goes with this set of pictures from R and my wedding:

Instead of having a bouquet toss, I chose to have an anniversary dance and give the flowers to the couple who had been married the longest. Little did I know when I decided to do that, but that Bob and Barbara would tie (their wedding dates were only separated by a couple months) with R's great aunt and uncle Janet and Gary. The four are in the top picture talking with each other.

Uncle Bob, (or my favorite, how your grandkids refer to you-GrandBob) you and your wonderful spirit and stories will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to our whole family who have lost 2 wonderful men this year, but most especially to my aunts and cousins who are immediately affected. Looking forward to seeing you all next weekend in CS to celebrate a great man.

Comfort Food: Mac and Cheese

I saw this recipe this morning on one of my favorite bloggers to read and decided to share with you all! R and I made some homemade mac and cheese from a recipe in Food and Wine Magazine the other day, and it was pretty good, but we ended up adding more ingredients to make it as creamy as the recipe made it sound like it was supposed to be. This recipe, however,  sounds delicious and fairly easy to make as well. (Another plus-for those of you with small children, it's been toddler approved by the blogger's daughter). Enjoy!

Macaroni and Cheese
(Source: Wegmans)

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 5 tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 lb. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:
1. Start heating water for pasta. Mix bread crumbs and parmigiano-reggiano cheese together in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Heat butter in large sauce pan over medium heat until melted. Add flour; stir until smooth. Cook 3-4 minutes until light golden brown.

3. Add milk to butter mixture, one cup at a time, whisking continuously until very smooth; bring to boil. Cook 10 minutes on medium, whisking continuously.

4. Add cheddar cheese; stir until melted completely. Season with salt and nutmeg; set aside. Stir in cooked pasta. 

5. Spray bottom and sides of baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; add pasta/cheese mixture. Top with bread crumb mixture.

6. Bake on center rack 15-20 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and bubbling around edges.