Any Excuse for Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

So there is this sidedish called macaroni and cheese. You may have heard of it. I happen to love it. And for me, it is not just a sidedish, but a way of life. You laugh now...but I triple-dog-dare you to make this macaroni and NOT have a religious experience. Uncle Danny was in town for a business trip and we had the pleasure of hosting him for a week. Uncle Danny is quite possibly the best cook that I have ever come across in my entire life. While my best meal could not compare to his best meal, I had to at least give it a shot.

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
2-3 C of any pasta noodle (I prefer Farfalle)
2 Tbsn butter
2 Tbsn flour
2 C warmed Half and Half
2-3 C of shredded cheese

Cook noodles and drain. In same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Slowly, whisk in warmed half and half. Whisk constantly until it is hot and thick (this is important! it will take 4-6 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. I experiment with different cheeses. It is great with with white cheeses. Half white sharp cheddar and half Fontina is my favorite mix. Stir in cooked noodles and salt and pepper to taste.

It is super simple and simply divine.

New York Steak Rub
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Brown Sugar
Kosher salt
Fresh Ground pepper
Chili powder
Fresh Garlic cloves- minced/pressed

Brush each side of the steak with olive oil. Sprinkle small amount of chili powder on steak. Rub salt and pepper into steak. Follow with garlic. Finish with brown sugar. Hand off to husband to grill.

I don't have measurements because I just do it until it looks right. You can't really mess it up.

BBQ Brocoli

Wash fresh head of brocoli. Split into a few pieces. Wrap into a foil pouch with a sploosh of water and seasoned salt and pepper and place on upper rack of grill for 10minutes or so. Best brocoli ever.

Voila!