Mac & Cheese Cache

A couple people have asked for the recipes, and here they are. Try both and tell me which one you think is the best.

Ma’s Macaroni & Cheese

1 lbs elbow macaroni
8 oz colby cheese, shredded
8 oz sharp new york cheddar, shredded
1 pt half and half or whole milk
1-2 egg(s)2 tablespoons finely ground flour (I use the Wonder gravy flour)
4 tablespoons butter
salt, pepper, white pepper
3/4 cup bread crumbs & 2 tablespoons melted butter combined

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Season liberally with white pepper and salt. In a medium pot, whisk together milk, butter, flour, and season liberally. Bring to a light simmer, but do not boil. Slowly add 1/2 of the cheese. Heath until completed melted. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, beat eggs. Temper eggs and add to liquid. In a baking dish, layer macaroni with cheese. Pour in liquid. Top with bread crumbs and bake at 400 F until top is brown and cheese is melted. Serve hot.

P.S. There is a secret ingredient, but my mom would kill me if I told you :) My advice - use whatever seasoning you think would enhance the dish. Red pepper flakes, shallot salt, be creative.

Donny’s Mac & Cheese*

1 lbs elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk1
1/2 to 2 cups cheese powder

Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a medium bowl, pour in hot macaroni and add butter, milk and cheese powder. Add more powder for a cheesier sauce. Add more milk for a more liquid-y sauce. Mix together. Serve immediately.

*Measurements are not Donny’s and they are just a guess.

Answers to Shannon

Sual: How did your packing list reflect what you actually needed? Did you bring stuff you don’t need, or are you missing something you overlooked?

Cavab: Because Nome is so remote, the moment I moved home, I thought it best to get a head start on the packing (well, I am a Virgo). I went a little nutso on developing an intense gear list (I thoroughly researched every item I considered buying) in addition to constantly visiting my favorite outdoor websites, perusing Wiki pages and blogs, and gabbing with friends and family.

After all that, I began buying. I started with stuff I knew I’d need (slippers, a Gerber knife, digital camera, etc) and worked my way to country specific things.

Still, I ended up with a few things I rarely use and a couple things I wish for constantly.I really wish I had brought a headlamp and an overnight bag. In addition, I really could do without the computer lock and ultimate frisbee I brought. Yet, overall, I think I did pretty well.

Adapting

When preparing for service, I would say I was a bit...hubris*, in my belief my body could handle just about anything. Being plagued with lactose intolerance most my life, I was sure my stomach was iron clad. Having worked in a Boys & Girls Clubs clubhouse, I thought my immune system could handle anything. Enjoying the hospitality of western Alaska, I have tried (and enjoyed) many foods most would consider exotic.

So coming to Azerbaijan, I wasn’t worried. I was even a little lackadaisical.

Bad move.

It took me several months (and a few problems), but I now know that moving half way around the world involves more than just a change of scenery. Of course, if you are on top of it, you can reduce (and even bypass) any hiccup that may occur. If you are overly confident like me, you may have to...experience a few things before you really get the picture.

*Yup Ma, I finally admitted that I am hubristic... but just a bit.