Baked Macaroni & Cheese

I am sick of winter.

I imagine you are too.

But one thing about this dreary weather I do enjoy is making hearty meals. A couple days ago I made Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni & Cheese.

It was the first time I've used one of his recipes, but it was very good, and very interesting. You may have noticed (if you clicked on the link and read the recipe) that Alton calls for one egg to be added.

I know, a little weird.

But, it was really good, the egg makes the dish very light. I would haven't have thought it would be something to add to Mac & Cheese! I didn't add the bread crumbs. That is just one thing I won't do to Mac & Cheese. I can't see adding bread to a pasta dish. It is just crazy.

Here's what mine looked like:




It tastes even better than it looks!!!!!

Queso Dip

I just made Queso Dip from this recipe. It was very easy and very yummy. I did make a few adjustments. First, when the butter is melting I added a few dashes of pepper flakes. Then when it comes to the salsa I added several tablespoons instead of just one. I like my queso a little on the spicy side, but even with these adjustments it was still pretty mild. I think the next time I will use hot salsa instead of medium. If you like your queso mild just follow the recipe and use mild salsa. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Pho Xe Tang (Tank Noodles)

Since moving to Chicago I have become very adventurous when it comes to food.

I've baked a souffle, eaten turtle, and today I had cow stomach.

Really.

Cow stomach.

It was kind of unintentional.

I went to Pho Xe Tang where my friend from Cambodia convinced me to get the "number 42" because it's simple.

She failed to mention that there was more than just noodles and slices of beef. At first I thought the stomach bits were squid. They kind of have the same texture and chewiness. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad, but once I knew what it was I was kind of freaked out.



Anyhow, the restaurant in general was very tasty, the decor was very simple, and actually a bit tacky, but tasty food makes up for that. I also tried a very unique smoothie made with Jack Fruit. The smoothie also came with chunks of cantaloupe and these funny little jelly/tapioca things at the bottom.

All in all it was a very interesting meal. I can't say that it was fabulous, but I enjoyed the adventure of trying something new and different.