omg get ready to laugh your ace off at the first "boy"!!

Ahhhahahaha!! Indeed!

Ohh, anyways – perhaps you were curious as to why there was no mention of my handsome and wickedly fabulous husband this weekend? Lucky man had MLK Jr. Day off, so he drove up to Minneapolis on Friday to have a 3-day guys weekend! He finally got home this afternoon, and was bearing gifts – Trader Joe’s gifts!! Let’s hear it for the boy!!

He picked up all my favorites: almond butter, organic chocolate brownie PURE Bars and peanut butter filled pretzels. I repeat – let’s hear it for the boy! Bliss!

To express my gratitude, I made one of his favorites for dinner – Homemade Mac & Cheese!

The recipe I use calls for 12oz of dry pasta. I didn’t have 12oz of one kind, so I mixed! Half penne, half rotini – all good.

I made my cheese sauce with skim milk, sharp cheddar cheese and just a splash of hot sauce for some zip!

Mix in green onions for her, and bacon pieces for him.

Top with cheese (and optional tomato slices)…

Broil, and eat!

Chester would be so proud!

It’s not easy, being cheesy.

Ben’s Bacon Mac was almost irresistible…

But my Veggie Mac was irresistible!!

Have you ever put tomatoes on your mac & cheese?

My Mom used to make homemade M&C every week growing up, and my Dad would always request fresh tomatoes for the top. I remember thinking it was so strange – but now, I completely agree – it just makes the whole thing, better.

Cheesy noodles, zippy onion, fresh tomato – there’s nothing like it. The ultimate comfort food. AND, with this recipe, you can feel totally guilt free about indulging in it!

For some added nutrients, I made some freshly steamed broccoli.

Mmm – #2 fave veggie behind brussels sprouts.

Time to spend some time catching up with my guy – he’s even watching The Bachelor with me tonight!

~~~~~

Who’s your favorite cartoon character?

Ben’s is Mighty Mouse. Mine’s Rainbow Brite. Love that chick.