Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese

Good Tuesday morning!

The Gallery Pics are a little of this and that... and basketball!

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - Don't forget to check out The Twelve Days of Inflatables on my sidebar (each and every day until Christmas Eve).

RANDOMNESS #1 - Since Josh has been working at the Christmas tree farm, his work clothes smell like... well, Christmas. Thus, every time I walk into my laundry room, it smells wonderful. In fact, it is the best smelling room in the house. Unfortunately, it is NOT the best looking room in the house... if you know what I mean!

In order to enjoy the smell, I have to close my eyes. However, in order to enjoy the "smell" of my family, I must continue to do laundry. It is a bittersweet dilemma, I tell you.

And, as always, the laundry wins. (Heavy, heavy sigh.)

RANDOMNESS #2 - I received my January issue of Real Simple Magazine yesterday. This is a magazine filled with lists. I love it. I want to share one of the lists with you today. It is called "9 Easy Ways to be Happier."

1. Chill out. It seems colder temperatures improve your mood. (That is why I'm a much nicer person in the fall and winter months of the year.)

2. Remember whence you came. They suggest decorating a hallway with sentimental objects and pictures will also make you happier.

3. Don't dwell. Let past failures go! (Easier said than done, but very good advice.)

4. Spread the wealth. Giving money away and tipping generously will make you happier. (Whoever made this list didn't have teenage children.)

5. Eat a snack around 2:00 p.m. That's when your serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood, takes a nosedive. (I'm a big advocate of the 2:00 p.m. snack. And because I'm so concerned about my serotonin, I usually eat a 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. snack, too. I am so pro-health.)

6. Get a move on. (I know. I know. Exercise is supposed to make you happier. I have been exercising regularly for 12 years now. It makes me hungry, sore and a little irritable. I may be the one exception to this rule in the entire world.)

7. Limit your options. If you're making a purchase, big or small, whittle down your options to a few choices, pick one and move on. (I'm very good at this actually... which drives Mikie crazy. After giving me a one-hour lecture on the pros and cons of this car versus that car, I will simply say, "I like the red one." I think I am a much happier person than he is!)

8. Start baking. Or find something that occupies 100 percent of your attention while you're engaged in it. (For me... blogging, scrapbooking and window shopping for new inflatables!)

9. Make your bed. (Made! They are right. I am ecstatic.)

Most of these things are no-brainers, but when you put them in a list, it helps you put them into practice.

Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese

If you EVER need a recipe idea, ALWAYS go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman and click on Tasty Kitchen on her main page. You will find everything you can imagine in this section, and the recipes are there specifically to share with others.

Since one of the dishes I am taking to Mike's family Christmas party this weekend is Mac and Cheese, I wanted to make it extra special. Check out this recipe from "apronmama" from Tasty Kitchen.

You will need the following:

1 pound macaroni noodles
1/2 cups butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (heaping)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup medium cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup Gruyere cheese (divided)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Drain.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for about 1 minute, until smooth and bubbly. Stir occasionally.

4. Mix in milk, cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Continue cooking until sauce is thickened. Add cooked macaroni and 3/4 cups of EACH cheese.

5. Pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of each cheese, adding more if needed.

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and cheese has browned.

Does this sound good, or what? Don't worry. Pictures will be forthcoming this weekend!

Have a terrific Tuesday. On Wednesday, I have a couple more "lists" to share, Wednesday Wisdom and a great party, tradition OR devotion for you to try with your family. Be sure and make your bed. It will make you happy all day long!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting (and SOON-TO-BE HAPPY) Belinda

(I have to do eight more things on that list!)