Day 34: Happy Valentine's Day

Today I took a day off from cooking from books, and made a Valentine's Day dinner for my honey.  I had a lot of fun cooking with my son, who had invited his girlfriend over for dinner.  So I guess we had a double date!  I made meatloaf and a chocolate cake for dessert.  Kevin made macaroni and cheese (his girlfriend's favorite).

This meatloaf has quickly become a family favorite.  It's the recipe I made here, from Healthy Cooking for Two (or just you) with just one small change -- I shaped it into a heart!  Funny, and delicious.

The macaroni and cheese was also a big hit.  It's a recipe I've come up with after trying several different recipes.

Macaroni and Cheese
From Ann's Brain
Yield:  6 servings

1 box dried elbow macaroni
3 cups milk
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp dry mustard
1 small onion, diced
8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup panko breading
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil

Preheat oven to 350.
     Melt butter in stock pot, over medium heat.  Add onions and cook until translucent.  Meanwhile heat milk in microwave until hot, but not boiling.  Whisk in flour and dry mustard into onions and butter, and cook for a few minutes.  Slowly add hot milk, whisking to combine.  Cook over medium heat until sauce is thickened, stirring frequently.  When desired thickness achieved remove from heat and stir in cheese.
     Cook pasta as directed on package, drain, and add to cheese sauce.
     Combine panko breading, parsley, and olive oil, and sprinkle over macaroni.  Bake in oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until breading is browned.
     Variations:  Add browned bacon bits, or chili flakes.

Tomorrow I have to review the recipes I've selected, and plan the week's menu.