Sometimes I Just Eat

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I've been too busy eating to write anything. No, really...it's true.
My birthday was on Monday and those who love me know how much I love to eat so they arrange ample opportunities for me to do so. 

Shrimp Boil on Sunday night

It all started Saturday night when Cara took me to Chuy's and we overindulged on the creamy jalapeno dip. Then Sunday my parents took Ciana and me to Texas Roadhouse before Ciana left for a mission trip. That evening we had a shrimp boil for my official family birthday dinner and we burned our tongues off on the spicy but delicious shrimp, potatoes, asparagus, corn, sausage, and mushrooms.

The Philly Cheeseburger from Lankford Grocer and the remnants of my ice cream!

Me and Mom at Lankford Grocer...it was a beautiful day!

My birthday started off with my student bringing me my favorite drink from Starbucks (so sweet!), then my parents took me to lunch at Lankford Grocer in Houston and we had some seriously great burgers. We followed that up with ice cream at Amy's Ice Cream. Then we rolled over and died. Ok, not really but we felt like it. 

That night, I went to dinner with my Aunt Cindy. We've shared a birthday for 28 years and have never celebrated just the two of us. So to remedy that, this year we decided to try out Allo, a French bistro and it was fantastic. We had such a fun time!
The birthday glutton-fest continued on Tuesday when Lyndsey and the babies and I met up with Katie and Eve for brunch. It was so fun to see Cash and Eve interacting! The festivities finally ended that evening when Ashley and Marsha made one of my favorite meals and we played Nertz for a couple of fun-filled hours.  I think as energetically as we play card games we probably burned a few calories off!

All in all it a standout birthday. Good food, good friends, and a wonderful family make it easier to face drawing closer to the ever-dreaded 30!

Friday Failure

I attempted to make an Eggs Benedict dish today to post on Monday.  As you can see above, the hollandaise separated and  it was a complete failure!  Oh well, I guess that's a hazard of food blogging.

Thankfully, my brother is kind and will eat Eggs Benedict no matter how bad it is!  

Have a great Friday!

Wordless Wednesday - Prince Edward Island

Macaroni & Cheese

I once remarked that Paula Deen could quite possibly be my soul mate.  Anyone who loves butter and the South the way she does will always have a special place in my heart.  

My plate at the Lady & Sons in 2011

I've been fortunate enough to eat at her restaurant, The Lady and  Sons, three times.  Each time, the Mac & Cheese was one of the highlights from the buffet.  And that's saying something.  The buffet is filled with fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, grits, fried fish, and more.  Not to mention the biscuits and johnny cakes served at the table.  It was all delicious.  And totally healthy.  Totally.

Me, Paula, and Ashley in 2011

On our second visit, I purchased a set of recipe cards that included The Lady's Cheesy Mac.  I've made it several times since and it was a big hit at the Southern Miss baby shower we threw for my sister when she was pregnant with Rosalie.  I cut it in little squares and served it in cute muffin liners.  Everyone loved it.  Now, this Mac & Cheese is one of Cash's favorite foods. He ate three servings just the other day!

I've adapted the recipe just slightly because my family prefers a creamier Mac & Cheese than what Paula serves.  I think mine is actually less healthy than the original...what does that say about me? 

Macoroni & Cheese

Source: RegansRamblings.blogspot.com

Adapted from The Lady and Sons

Ingredients:

1 (1 lb) package elbow macaroni

4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

4 Tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces

3 eggs

¾ c. sour cream

1 ½  c. half & half

½ tsp. nutmeg

1 ½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.  Stir in the butter and top with 3 c. of the shredded cheese.  Mix together the eggs, sour cream, half & half, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.  Mix into the pasta and cheese until the cheese sauce forms.  Pour into a buttered 9” x 13” baking dish and top with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.