S U M M E R

I have been out of the kitchen most of the summer...enjoying time with family...

We have friends coming for dinner this weekend, so I'm back in the kitchen this week.
I'm planning on a Mexican Menu... Stay tuned for recipes !

Happy Outdoor Wednesday hosted by A Southern Daydreamer !

Golden Macaroni & Cheese

We were blessed with beautiful weather for the 4th of July... We have family visiting from out of town, so I hosted the 4th.

I had a very simple menu... hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken in a garlic/balsamic marinade...fresh tomatoes... and watermelon & cantaloupe. The real hit, even with adults was this homemade macaroni & cheese. {Happy outdoor wednesday ! } Also participating in Foodie Friday hosted by the wonderful Designs by Gollum !

Golden Macaroni & Cheese {Southern Living}

1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked macaroni)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion salt
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 1/2 cups) and divided*
1 cup soft breadcrumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well. Set aside.

Place milk, flour, and onion salt in a quart jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously 1 minute.

Stir together flour mixture, 3 1/2 cups cheese, and macaroni.

Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish or 2 (11-inch) oval baking dishes. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and remaining 1 cup cheese; drizzle evenly with melted butter.

Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

*20 ounces loaf pasteurized prepared cheese product, shredded or cut into small cubes, may be substituted. Omit breadcrumbs if using prepared cheese product.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Kraft Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Cheese. ( I used this cheese also, and it was just perfect!)

Yum. Oh yum !!

Pölka dot Riesling

Hot, humid, summer nights require something cold to drink !
I bought this on sale for $9.00 at my local grocer today.
Oh my goodness...this is just what I need...
Polka Dot balances floral aromas with ripe fruit flavors of pear, nectarine and apricot. Delicious !!