little poster

I've not managed to leave the house today, but at least I did get this little poster done for Baby Woo's room. It's a silly rhyme Mr Woo's Granddad used to say. My Grandpa used to tell stories about the adventures of Tom Cat & Bob Cat. I'm working on an idea to bring those stories to life. In the mean time...

So what'd ya think?


*oh and please don't reuse the poster without asking. I made it for Baby Woo. If you'd like a copy I'll happily make one for you too*

me today.

Our Fave Mac & Cheese

As a Southern Belle I am a bit of a Macaroni & Cheese expert. It was always my brother's favorite item on the Ryan's "MegaBar". We couldn't get enough!
My Grandmother makes a pretty mean baked Macaroni & Cheese I have to say. It's a given that there will be her baked mac & cheese if she's making a Roast Beef. Along with stuffed mushrooms and baked cauliflower. Mmmm! She's the best!
Since we don't have a Ryan's (do they even exist anymore???), and my Grandmother not only lives thousands of miles away, but she doesn't cook much any more I've had to make do.
I tried making a basic cheese sauce and baking it with cheese on top. It didn't really do it. I tried a few different recipes and Mr Woo didn't really have seconds. It wasn't until I stumbled upon the Nestle recipe that Mac and Cheese became a household favorite! Even Mr Woo's brother will show up on the door step if he hears I'm making this mac & cheese! He's on his way over actually cause it's what's for dinner :)

Traditional Macaroni & Cheese (by Nestle)

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups (about 7 oz.) dry small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk (I just use any old evaporated milk btw)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 2-quart casserole dish.

COMBINE cornstarch, salt, mustard and pepper in medium saucepan. Stir in evaporated milk, water, and butter. Cook over medium-heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 1½ cups cheese until melted. Add macaroni; mix well. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Top with remainingcheese.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and light brown.

NOTE: To transform Macaroni & Cheese from a simple dish to a savory one-dish meal, add 1 cup chopped ham or hot dogs after milk mixture comes to a boil. (OR cooked broccoli with chicken breast or on it's own)

****I ran out of cornstarch when I made some chicken nuggets a few weeks ago so I googled to see if there were any substitutes, lucky there are! ****

Cornstarch substitutes

For each 1 tablespoon of cornstarch needed use: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
OR
1 tablespoon potato flour or rice flour
OR
4 teaspoons quick-cooking tapioca
OR
2 teaspoons arrowroot

The boys are here and ready so I'd better get the food out!
Bye for now! 

Peeking Out From Under The Duvet

Sorry I've not been around much. I've been spending a lot of time in bed or stretched out in front of the TV under a blanket. I have been so tired and kinda sick :( Yuck!
Baby Woo is growing fast and I'm starting to feel flickers of my old self coming back! Hooray!

I felt spritely enough to go berry picking this afternoon...only....it's still too early. I did manage to pick 3 blackberries which I gave to Daisy and Truman. Instead of the heavily drooping briar full of plump juicy berries I saw lots of this sorta thing....

Not very tempting. But it does look like my blackberry harvest is going to be HUGE this year! I just have to leave it a few weeks and then head back down with a bucket in hand to collect these!

I'll make jam, of course, but maybe I'll try something different too like Black Tea & Blackberry sorbet. Mmm...that sounds good! Yum! Hurry up and ripen all you berries!
I'd better go get the enchiladas out of the oven, if they burn I am going to be very sad! I am SO into Mexican food right now! I've always been a fan, but I think maybe Baby Woo can't get enough!

Coming...January 2012....

BABY WOO! Can you believe it?!

Miss Gingers Giveaway!

Click on Miss Gingers cute header and get entered in her fab giveaway! She is giving away FOUR wonderful prizes! Yeah, I know! FOUR! Far too cute!