My Favorite Corner of the House

Last year my husband and I started getting interested in antiques; mostly because we just love old things, but also because you can get beautiful wood furniture for a very fair price. One of my best finds is this old pie safe, which now provides extra storage in our kitchen. Back in the day, women used to make their pies or other baked goodies, and let them cool in a cabinet called a pie safe: there's an opening in the wood at the back to provide ventilation while the pies cooled. I was tickled to find this piece and it fits perfectly with the flavor of our kitchen.

My newest antique treasure is a Roseville pottery vase that I got in my stocking for Christmas (well, not actually IN my stocking, but beside it, it's too precious to risk breakage on the floor!). I love the color and art deco/arts and crafts style design on the vase. The green color matches out kitchen perfectly.

On the bookbinding front, still plugging away at new inventory, and I teach my first workshop on Saturday!

Ah, Comfort Food!

This is my favorite recipe for comfort food: homemade macaroni and cheese! It's technically spring in Ohio, but it doesn't feel like it yet. Here's what I make when I want to warm up!

1 box penne pasta
about 4 teaspoons butter
about 4 teaspoons flour
about 4 cups of milk
grated cheddar and mozzarela cheese, a lot of it!
salt, pepper, and paprika

First, cook the penne until it's al dente (cooked, but a little firm). While the pasta's cooking, make the white sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the flour and stir until mixed. Add the milk, and whisk until combined. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Mix the pasta into the sauce, and pour into a large casserole dish. Cover the pasta with a layer of grated cheddar cheese, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some black pepper and paprika over the top, and bake at 350 degrees Farenheit for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy!