Creamy Baked White Mac & Cheese

This is awesome.  I normally am not a cheese person unless it's white cheddar.  Or cheese curds at the MN state fair.  So when I saw this recipe using white cheddar, I decided to give it a try.  And being preggo, this is one of the world's most comforting comfort foods.  I ate it for breakfast this morning.

Creamy Baked White Mac & Cheese

2 C uncooked ziti, shells, or elbow macaroni  (I used whole wheat shells and only used 1-3/4 C pasta to make it creamier)

1/4 C butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 C flour

1-3/4 C milk

10 oz block of sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

paprika

Cook pasta as directed. 

Melt butter, stir in S&P.  Add flour and cook over low heat stirring constantly until smooth.  Remove from heat and add milk.  Return to burner and gradually increase heat as you stir constantly.  When mixture boils, continue to stir for 1 min. then remove from heat.  Stir in shredded cheese.  Add cheese sauce to pasta and stir thoroughly.  Bake 375 for 25 min.  Sprinkle with paprika, then bake another 5 min.  (I broiled in for a few min after this...superb!)

Parents Visit

Over the kids' spring break my parents were able to sneak away for three days and come out to visit us.

 The kids were so excited.

 They even brought some Easter basket gifts.  Galina got this dancing ribbon and had fun twirling with it.

 Treyton enjoyed his pirate accessories.

 He got the eye flap thing down real fast.  Like the sword down the pants?

 Grandpa sure enjoyed cuddling with Brielle.

 Grandpa likes to cuddle with anyone.

 See what I mean?  He's been that way his whole life!

 Grandma even got some cuddle time in with our star cuddler.

We had a low key but very enjoyable visit.  Missing you already!

Chicken Tacos

I've been really nauseas since getting pregnant with our fourth (and final) baby.  One thing that has been appetizing is chicken tacos.  Here is a delicious yet simple way to make them.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
1 envelope taco seasoning
6 pieces chicken breasts
1 (16 oz) jar salsa

Put in crock pot and cook low for 6-8 hrs OR high for 4-6 hrs.  I usually shred chicken and let it cook a little longer to get the flavors to marry.  Enjoy!