So now the “big thing” in the cooking world this week is making your own butter, which reminded me of a truly ridiculous PowerPoint that I made for a history class that I took in college.

My grandmother used to work at a living history museum called “The Norlands” where she portrayed a 19th century suffragist, Esther Weld, and led educational programs for students. My assignment for class was to create some sort of historical food presentation so my grandmother and I dressed up in period garb, pretended to bake a cake in her wood cook stove, and then made homemade butter. Which took forever. Click here to download the staged hilarity in all of its amateur glory.

Last year was the first Thanksgiving that I spent with Chris. Coincidentally it was also my introduction to an amazingly sinful and delicious dessert known as “Toll House Pie.” Essentially Toll House Pie is a gigantic, gooey chocolate chip cookie nestled in pie crust. Chris’s father is the king of Toll House Pie. I looked forward to devouring a gigantic piece of his luscious dessert again all week. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how awesome that piece of pie tasted. After much internal debate (and a solemn vow to use the elliptical machine every night this week) I finally looked up a recipe online and made a Toll House Pie of my very own. Oh man…it was so worth having to spend all of that time running in place. Note: I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the recipe linked above. I’d also recommend reducing the cooking time slightly to 45-50 minutes. Now go get the chocolate chips and lace up those sneakers!

Why Running Shoes Are Needed	Beat Until Fluffy
Mix in the Sugars & Flour	Whip in the Melted Butter
So Many Chocolate Chips!	Take the Easy Way Out (Fake Pie Crust)
Bake Just Long Enough for a Quick Workout	Pour a Tall Glass of Milk

Macaroni and Cheese is my all-time favorite meal. When I was a kid I practically lived on the Blue Box Kraft version — seriously, who didn’t? I was a huge pain in the ass though and I would go through phases where I would only eat certain types, for instance, I vividly remember a 3 year stint where I only liked the spiral shaped version. I also had this annoying habit of carrying around the little pouch of cheese powder while my mother was boiling the macaroni. I think those incidents are great examples we can use to confirm that I was a total control freak from birth.

Obviously, homemade Macaroni and Cheese is about 3000 times better than anything that comes out of a box. The recipe I use is based on one from the Better Homes and Garden’s cookbook. Essentially you sauté a diced onion in butter until softened (not browned). Then melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour (and salt & pepper to taste). Cook the flour and onion paste for a minute or two and then add 3 cups of skim milk. Bring the milk and flour mixture to a boil (stirring frequently). Next add 3 cups of cheese. I like to use extra sharp cheddar and gruyere. Stir the cheese mixture until everything is melted together and thickened. Meanwhile, cook 3 cups of dry elbow or rotini macaroni (lately I’ve been buying the Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Rotini). Pour the cooked and drained macaroni into a casserole dish, add the cheese mixture, and top with Italian bread crumbs. Finally, bake in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Your mom will be so proud of you!

It’s the Cheesiest	Chop for Flavor
Melt	Soften
Add 3 Tablespoons	Whisk in 3 Tablespoons of Flour
Stir in the Milk, Boil	Place Cooked Pasta in Dish
Melt the Cheeses	Heat and Stir Until Thickened
Layer with Sauce & Bread Crumbs	Way Better Than “The Blue Box”

This Pea Soup is the easiest meal I’ve ever made. After a long day of errand running I was less than thrilled about the prospect of making dinner…OK…that’s a lie. I always like to cook, but I bet you’ve had plenty of moments when you have absolutely zero desire to do anything more than eat a bowl of cereal (It’s a well known fact that CK practically lived on Peanut Butter Puffins until we moved in together). Fight the Lucky Charms urge! This soup is healthy, hearty, and way more satisfying than anything that comes out of a box. Give it a try, I promise you wont be disappointed. Plus, this would be a great kid friendly dish for an upcoming Halloween themed meal. After-all, Pea Soup looks a lot like Witches Brew. Don’t forget to pick up some good, crusty bread. Dipping is the best part.

Gather & Prep	Toss in the Pot, Simmer
Slice (No Nibbling!)	Blend

Comfort & Joy