Macaroni and Cheese

This is the richest and creamiest mac-n-cheese I've ever eaten. It is an indulgent treat for when the "box stuff" just won't do or when you simply want to "wow" your friends and family.



Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups milk
2 (10 ounce) packages sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (10 ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions:
In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.  Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.  Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.  Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.  Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.  Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.  Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.  Add in all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.  Remove from heat.  Mix together the cooked macaroni and the cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.  Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes.

Coco-Mocha Frappes

They say that 60% of the human body is comprised of water.  But in our house, I'm not so sure that's accurate.  I'd say our liquid make-up is split 30% water/30% coffee and this recipe is to blame.  I was very fortunate to receive a Mr. Coffee Café Frappe maker for Christmas this past year.  If you own one of these little wonders then this recipe will be a snap!  I've translated it below, so that they can be made by using a traditional coffee brewer and a blender.  Trust me when I say these are good, but also very addicting!!

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. favorite coffee
1 cup water
2 cups ice
1 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. Coffee-mate Coconut Crème Coffee Creamer
2 Tbsp. Chocolate Syrup
Whipped Cream
Cocoa (for dusting)


Directions:
Use 3 Tbsp. coffee and 1 cup water in your coffee brewer to make double-strength coffee.  Measure out     1/2 cup and discard or save the rest for another purpose.

Add ingredients to the blender in this order:  ice, sugar, creamer, syrup and brewed coffee.  Blend until smooth and frothy.  Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa, if desired.