Plan B

We are having guests for dinner tonight. I had planned to serve Valeria's Lasagna but can't find the right kind of noodles anywhere. Standing in Wal-Mart I had to make a quick Plan B.

Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
6 ounces evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
10 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Return to the pot and melt in the butter. Toss to coat.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir into the pasta and add the cheese. Over low heat continue to stir for 3 minutes or until creamy.

I got this recipe probably 10 years ago from a friend and it is still my favorite mac and cheese recipe. You can add things to it (like ham or vegetables) but I think served with a salad it is good just as it is.

For dessert we will have my favorite go-to for just about any occasion.

Best Brownies Ever
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt 1/2 cup butter in microwave or on stove. Add it to the sugar, eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir to blend.

Add the cocoa, the flour, salt and baking powder and mix well. Spread batter into an 8x8 baking pan. (No need to grease pan.)

Bake for 25-33 minutes. Do not over bake; they're to be soft & chewy.

When baked but still warm to the touch, frost with:

3 Tbsp. softened butter, 3 Tbsp. cocoa, 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1 cup powdered sugar.

This is another Diana in Wisconsin recipe and I have made it for everything from new people in the neighborhood to a friend needs a pick up to I just want some damn chocolate. They are just as good without the frosting, or drizzled with caramel, chocolate chips and crushed pecans.