Happy Monday Lovelies!

I hope you are all still reveling in family time, laughing and relaxing. We just got back from visiting our family in Dallas and we had a blast! It is always wonderful to reconnect and spend quality face time with those we love. That being said, there is something so wonderful about being in our little apartment, reflecting on the year and dreaming about our future. That is exactly what we will be doing this Wednesday evening as we ring in the New Year!

Every New Year’s Eve since we’ve been married, we have cozied up on the couch with homemade mac-n-cheese, wine and some good TV and music. It might seem too chill and a bit mundane to many, but to us, it is the absolute best way to relax and get ready for the year ahead.

{ via }

It has been such a long time since I have shared any recipes on the blog, so today, I am excited to send this little recipe of mine out in to the blogosphere. Now, I found this online (source forgotten) and I always tweak it a bit each year. I often use a variety of cheeses, typically a cheddar or colby jack, parmesan and either gouda, fontina or gruyere, but any of your favorite melty cheeses will do.

Pocho’s NYE Mac-n-Cheese

{via – since I apparently don’t photograph ours}

Ingredients: 

1 box Pasta

4 Tbsp butter

1/2 onion, finely chopped

salt and pepper (to taste)

1/4 Cup flour

3 Cups whole milk (I use half and half)

2 tsp Dijon Mustard (or you could use mustard powder)

2 Cups grated cheese (I normally do a little more than 2 cups and mix 3 cheeses)

Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

To Make:

Cook pasta, drain and set aside

In a large pot, melt butter, add onion and sauté (season with S&P)

Add flour, stir until pasty (like a rue)

Slowly whisk in milk until warm

Bring up to a simmer, uncovered, until thick (approximately 5 minutes)

Gradually stir in cheese until melted; add pasta and season to taste

Top it off with Parsley, serve with warm bread and a glass of red wine! We typically enjoy a Merlot or Pinot Noir. What are your favorite recipes and NYE traditions?

xoxo, Jenn