Hello Strangers!

Hello Ugga Mugga readers! I just wanted to take a minute to explain why my posts have been far and few lately...my children and I have been sick. I mean sick! It's spread like wild fire through the house (baby included) and has lasted for quite some time. According to my children's pediatrician, the time frame and symptoms are consistent with Swine Flu, something which our area and doctor has seen quite a bit of. And you'll be glad to know she says all patients she's seen have "sailed through it."

As you may recall, I am not one to believe the hype or fear the illness any more than I do the regular flu. And if indeed what we've been battling in our house is Swine Flu, I can tell you that it's not the end of the world...at least it wasn't for us. It certainly wasn't fun, but we're on the other side of it now and are looking forward to enjoying the rest of our summer...starting with a much-needed vacation next week.

And once I'm back, I promise to once again post daily. And I have many great products, recipes, activities and parenting concepts in store for you! I hope you are healthy, happy and enjoying your last month of summer!

aden + anais Giveaway Winner

Please join me in congratulating Gina P. from Alaska, the winner of the aden + anais Giveaway! Gina, your fish Sleeping Bag will be on its way shortly! Enjoy!

Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

I'm yet to meet a child (or adult) who doesn't LOVE the macaroni and cheese at Noodles & Company. Although everyone in my favmily orders something different (I'm partial to the Penne Rosa), each one of us likes to sneak a bite of my daughter Martha's order of mac and cheese before we leave. Knowing that one day she's sure to stop us, I thought I had better find a recipe to make this yummy, no fuss meal at home. Not to mention the money I'll save! And good news, I'm on my way!

The recipe below is a tweeked version of a few different ones I found online all put together. My children say it tastes just like the Noodle's version, although I'll admit I'm stil not 100% satisfied...I still feel like something is missing. I think it's the texture this perfectionist is hung up on (I think the sauce may be a bit too thick and next time I'll try upping the half and half). So, if you try it and figure something else out, please don't hold back on us...email me or write a comment to share (and if my half and half theory proves true I'll repost)!

Otherwise, this is still a darn good recipe. It must be because after my son tried this for the first time he looked at me across the table and said, "Mommy, I think you're the best cook in the whole world." How amazingly sweet!

Ingredients

1 lb. elbow noodles
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups half and half
1/2 tsp salt
3 Cups Monterrey Jack (or Colby Jack...or mix them together)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In large saucepan over medium/low heat, melt butter. Stir in flour making a roux. Gradually stir in half and half whisking until thickened. Stir in salt. Switch heat to low and add cheese, stirring constantly until cheese melts. Remove from heat and add your cooked pasta. Stir together and top with fancy shredded mild cheddar cheese if you want, although I don't think it's necesssary.
3. If you want a more grown up taste for you own, add some garlic powder or crushed red pepper (that's how my son and I eat it), top with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, or do all three and then bake it at 350 until the top browns.
   

Enjoy!

aden + anais Giveaway

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