Birthday Special, coming right up!

This week we're sharing birthday specials... which is perfect, since we just celebrated my hubby's birthday there are lots of pictures :)

The is but one dish that graces our dinner table for birthdays. A dish we love. A dish that is such a rare treat we enjoy every morsel. A dish that is not the most "healthy" for us, hence why it's a birthday special only!


For our birthdays, we enjoy Vermont White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese. Of course we pair this creamy, cheesy dish with nice green veggies, often broccoli, fresh green beans and/or a salad. Then we don't feel so bad.



Vermont White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

3/4 of a 16oz box of whole wheat penne rigate pasta
3 T butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 T flour
1 3/4 C milk
10oz block of Sharp (or Extra Sharp) Vermont White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Paprika

Cook pasta as directed. Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in a stir fry pan. Stir in salt and pepper, to taste; then, remove fr Mix flour and 3/4 C of milk together in a large liquid measuring cup; mix well with a whisk until blended. Add mixture to the melted butter along with the remaining 1 C milk; stir to combine.

Return the pan to the range, and gradually increase the heat; stir constantly. When the mixture reaches a boil, stir for 1 minute (it should be thickening nicely), and then remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese, allowing the heat from the mixture to melt the cheese.

Drain pasta, and place in a glass 2-3 quart baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to coat. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle mac and cheese with paprika and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy :)

Then, we top off dinner with cherry cake for the hubby's birthday,

and a plain, vanilla cake warm from the oven with no frosting for my birthday! Sometimes we add cake batter ice cream for a real treat :)

For more birthday meal ideas, visit Ultimate Recipe Swap: Birthday Edition