Mac 'n' Cheese for sophisticated adults

A few days ago I attended a nice pot luck luncheon with some very nice ladies. The theme was Valentine's Day (conflicting schedules called for a belated luncheon) and the tables were all decked out with pretty pink and red heart shaped paper plates and napkins on tablecloths sporting happy light red hearts while we sipped an addictive "cocktail" of ginger ale and cranberry juice.

The attendants were mostly elderly women and, knowing there would probably be health concerns and palates that wouldn't exactly appreciate bold flavors or spices, it took me almost a week to figure out what my culinary contribution would be. My first choice was spanikopita or a blend of spinach, herbs and feta cheese wrapped inside filo dough. I could eat them all day and usually love to make it, but for once, I just couldn't be bothered with the mess and hassle of dealing with filo dough. I also seriously considered this recipe for Citrus Hot Chocolate but had no way of transporting it and I had the feeling keeping it warm might be an issue. Finally, I decided on this recipe calling itself Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.

The name itself is a bit misleading as the tomatoes are boiled with the pasta for 2 minutes and the cream sauce is poured on top. However, this is a very simple and easy recipe that's a joy to throw together! The resulting sauce gives the impression you've been hovering over a hot stove for hours simmering a classic bechamel sauce rather than just a few minutes. As with any macaroni and cheese recipe I've come across, I don't get as much sauce as I would like. Of course, growing up munching on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese I love my elbow macaroni to drip and ooze velvety cheese. I don't know if that's technically wrong, but I like it and all the training in the world won't change my mind!

Anyway, this recipe needs few adjustments. I mean, it's terrific as is and the taste is fantastic but I wasn't able to find the shredded Italian-style four-cheese blend the recipe called for. I did, however, find a nice six cheese blend by Sargento involving Parmesan, Mozzarella, smoked Provolone, Asiago, Romano and Fontina cheeses. Not realizing I'd run out of dried basil I used Italian herb seasoning instead. If you like your mac 'n' cheese ooey gooey like I do, double the amount of cheese and milk but stir them in one package and can at a time to make sure everything melts and blends the way it should. Finally, I had to resist the urge to throw in some chopped Prosciutto because of the palates involved so I don't know how it would turn out but I don't imagine it would hurt the flavor especially for those of you who like little pieces of ham or bacon in your mac 'n' cheese. If you decide to try this, go a little at a time, stir and taste as too much might overwhelm and kill the dish. Oh and while I'm thinking of it while this dish doesn't need it at all, if you absolutely insist in some kind of crunchy topping on your mac 'n' cheese, try some Italian seasoned bread crumbs, or since we're trying to be sophisticated here, why not add Panko and pop it in the oven for a few minutes.

Well, that's enough of my ramblings. I finished that candle order for my friend that I mentioned a few weeks back (see pic below) and I've started working on a few new creations for Spring.

Hopefully next week I'll have pictures and prices of Orange Cream Sherbet candle and just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Irish Coffee candle! I also hope to have news of placement with a store featuring crafts and home decor here in Maine. So, stay warm and dry everyone, winter is nearly at an end. Chow for now!

An Elegant Valentine's Day on a Budget

So you want to have a memorable Valentine's Day but you've been pinching so many pennies that Abe Lincoln slaps you every time you open your wallet? Never fear, you can still have a memorable evening.

First, I have to say after a visit to Walmart yesterday, they have some pretty decent looking roses in some nice arrangements. Now depending on your significant other you could spring for the dozen roses, the rose bouquet or the single solitary rose. Personally I think a dozen roses is a little cliche and less meaningful than a single rose but if your SO thinks anything less is cheap, stick with what you know.

Next, music. You can kill two birds with one stone on this one. Now back in the age of dinosaurs a surefire way to show someone how much you love them was to make a mix tape featuring either your SO's favorite songs, songs that marked significant moments in your relationship or songs that made you think about that person. These days I guess you could burn a cd to give to the person after you listen to it through dinner or set up an IPod/MP3 playlist.

Now, what to do for dinner? My favorite has always been Fish Papillote. It's light, healthy, tastes great and involves festive paper hearts! Here is a great recipe I came across recently for Mahi Mahi en Papillote. The prep is a bit more involved than the usual papillote I've done but it looks to be worth it. For something a bit more simple there's this recipe which involves fish, lemon, white wine and asparagus.

Now that dinner's out of the way what's for dessert? Fondue seems to be making a comeback but can be messy and expensive (good melty cheese can start at $4 a wedge and sorry but Velveeta just doesn't cut it). Instead I suggest an old reliable favorite, chocolate covered strawberries. No, this doesn't mean spending a fortune at a bakery or ordering from the florist or Edible Arrangements. Chocolate covered strawberries can be made the night before or earlier in the day and chilled until it's time to serve. Head to the fondue section of your local grocery store (you know the place where all the fancy cheeses are kept?) and pick up a bag or container of chocolate discs. Pick up the biggest strawberries you can find and some wax paper.

Once home, melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or if you don't have one boil some water in a pot and put the chocolate in a metal bowl (make sure it's large enough that it won't flip over or sink into the water). In the meantime rinse the strawberries and pat dry and place some wax paper on a cookie tray. Once the chocolate has melted completely dip the strawberries and place them on the wax paper to cool, then place the tray in the fridge until it's time to serve. Champagne and strawberries are a match made in heaven but if you can't afford real champagne, my personal favorite substitution is Korbel Brut. Do not, I repeat, NOT buy Arbor Mist Raspberry Sparkling Wine! It's disgustingly sweet and too flat to be considered sparkling. A surefire way to ruin your night!

And there we have it. A nice romantic and elegant dinner for two at an affordable price. Now it all depends on the love of your life but one bit of advice that seems to pertain to many people out there: However little amount you spend, however much you save to achieve the magical night, DON'T EVER TELL THEM! Not that this should be a subject that would come up but boasting about the fact you were both smart and frugal could come across to your SO as being cheap. Of course if being economical turns the other person on, well boast away.

In any event, wishing you an enjoyable Valentine's Day. Chow for now!