Homemade Mac & Cheese

Recently we received a call from our TV Provider saying we were eligible for 2 free add on packages. Thank Goodness I answered the phone and not Hubby!! Naturally I opted for the package with the Food and DIY network, any woman would. In case you don't know already, watching the Food Network at 8pm is never a good idea. Anyway  last night we were watching Diners Drive Ins and Dives....always a bad idea for your arteries. This one restaurant served up Ribs with homemade Mac and Cheese....what did I make for Supper you ask? Ribs with Homemade Mac and Cheese :)

Regular ole Mac and Cheese is something I have never made before so I didn't have a go to recipe, so I went on the hunt. Finding a new recipe for me is a chore, I have to read all the ingredients to at least 3 recipes then I choose which one I like, and have all the ingredients for. Next Step, decide what Im going to change (because heaven forbid I follow a recipe)....you can see where this is going right....lengthy process. Anyway I had to do that today for the Mac and Cheese and I must say...success. I will definitely make this recipe again, and when I decide that I have to share.

When your using a recipe off the net, do you write the recipe down or just bring the computer to the kitchen? I'm old school, I need to write it down. If I like it I add it to my recipe binder.

Homemade Mac & Cheese

1 Box of Pasta of your Choice (I used shells...yes for Macaroni and Cheese I used Shells)
1 tbsp Butter
6 oz evaporated Milk (I used regular milk)
6 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese (I added a bit of Parm as well)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dry mustard (I used 1/2 tsp, not a fan of the dry mustard in things but a little does help the flavor)
1/4 tsp chili pepper (I used a pinch of chili flakes)
S&P

Cook pasta according to the box directions, less one minute. Drain and put back into the pot.

Over Med-Low Heat, add butter and stir until melted

Mix egg, milk and spices into pasta. Stir until thickens a bit (3-5 minutes)

Remove the pan from heat, add cheese in 4 batches making sure the first is completely melted before adding the next,

Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

We served ours up along side Slow Cooker Ribs tonight, but it could be a great Main as well.

Beer Battered Fish & Chips {recipe}

I've said it before and I'll probably say it a million times, I have such picky eaters in my house that I rarely get to try "different" recipes. One thing they aren't fond of here in the Cyr household is fish.  Me on the other hand, I LOVE it. Every once in awhile I say "screw it!" and make whatever I want, last night was one of those nights. Although its far from a "different" recipe, I went with the classic Beer Battered Fish & Chips. I got this recipe from the Food Network Website.

Beginnings of Fish and Chips.

Beer Battered Fish and Chips

1 3/4 c Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash Spice Blend (or your favorite spice blend)

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 egg whites

1 can (12 oz) Beer, or de-alcoholized beer

1 1/2 lbs firm white fish fillets, haddock or halibut (I used Haddock)

Preheat Deep fryer or a large pot with about 3" of vegetable oil in the bottom on medium heat. (be very careful when using the pot method. It splatters and oil burns HURT ALOT!)
Beat the egg whites and beer together. Mix in all the dry ingredients.

Be sure your fish is fully thawed, if it was frozen, and dry. Use a dish towel or paper towels to make sure you dry it fully! (I did not dry some pieces completely and I had a hard time getting the batter to stick)

Cut the fillets in 2 or 3 pieces, whichever you prefer, and dip them in the batter. Make sure they are fully covered in batter and then gently put the fish pieces into the oil or deep fryer.

 *TIP* Have everything ready to go before you put the fish in to cook, it doesnt take very long and you want to eat it as soon as it comes out of the fryer.  So make the fries first, have them almost done, set up a little station something like this, and then FRY! Also have lots of Febreeze on hand for after supper, your house is going to STINK! But its so worth it!

Best to be prepared, have your little work station all set up.

...and your "chips" just about ready.

Let the fish cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until its a nice golden Brown. Use a  slotted spoon and an oven mitt to turn and get the fish out of the oil.

BE CAREFUL!! Or you'll end up with little red dots all over your arm like moi...not cool.

Golden Beer Battered Fish, perfect for pub night at home.

Fish and Chips Mates?

Serve with Lemon and Ketchup! & Enjoy!
 Original Source