#29 - Read 15 Classic Books 1/15

I just finished Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte last night. Let me just say...fab-u-lous! I loved it! I had never read it, but have been thinking about it for a long time. As I was reading it, I found out it was my maternal grandmother's favorite book. My mom told me she read it often. I can see why! I also remember my sister doing a video report for school when I was a kid. She was in HS and she and two friends played the various roles of Jane at different ages (as a child, then as the governess, then 10 years later). I was always curious about the story, but never really took the time to read it. I believe I needed to read it now.

Jane was an independent woman and didn't just lay aside her own thoughts and feelings because it was "expected" of her. No, she was honest and pretty blunt about it, but not rude either. She was a woman of strength and courage. She had a dream and followed it. While her dreams may have changed, she continued to follow them. She had moral compass that wouldn't allow her to deceive who she was to fit the mold. In the end, she is who she is and she makes no apologies for that. She is a woman of character and has inspired me to be more like that myself.

I don't want to give away too much of the book in case some of you haven't read it, but I highly recommend this for all women. It's a story of courage, faith, and believing in oneself. I wish I had read this before college, but the timing of my reading this was impeccable and appropriate.

#13 - Two Vegetarian Dishes a Month

See what I made? Linguine with Roasted Vegetables from the Pillsbury Complete Cookbook. It was really good. The man even liked it! I was shocked that he liked it since he loves his meat, but he doesn't mind this. He's all for this challenge, so long as he doesn't have to eat tofu. Well, he will at some point, b/c I am going to try it.

Anyway...This was really good and I will probably make this again. I'm finding all sorts of yummy sounding vegetarian recipes. I never would have thought! Now to get up the courage to try cooking with tofu. Any recommendations?

#18 - 101 New Dishes 1/101

I made homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Grilled chicken for the first time EVER! I was so excited and it was delish! Ok, so I have made plenty of grilled chicken (and ok, so sue me, dh did the grilling, but I seasoned it). The mac n' cheese is the exciting part anyway. I am SO going to make this again! I can't seem to find the recipe I used right now, but as soon as I find it (it's on a tiny notepad sheet my friend gave me) I'll post it.

The recipe was originally made for me by my friend Tina. She brought it over for us after my son came home and my husband and I both loved it. She used steamed chicken, I grilled it. When I post the recipe, I'll also list my other changes. I need to find it, I want this again soon!

FOUND IT! Added recipe 4/24

Kodiak Mac (and cheese....lots of cheese)

8 oz Macaroni
3T butter
3T AP Flour
Salt
Pepper
2 c. Milk
2 c. shredded cheese

Cook macaroni. Meanwhile, melt butter, add flour, salt and pepper. Add milk, stir until warm, then add cheese and stir until melted. Add the cooked macaroni, bake until top is crispy (We did it at 350 for 10 minutes). Can be refrigerated for future use (I imagine it can be frozen too).

Hints from Tina:
Use pre-shredded Mexican and Italian mixes. Add velveta for texture. Top with Italian bread crumbs, shredded parmesan and paprika.

Ok, we pretty much followed the recipe, but used 2.5 cups of cheese (hey, we like cheese). We combined Mexican and Mozzarella. For the topping, we used It. bread crumbs, parm, paprika and cumin.