"I'll Have a Blue Cheese Christmas Without You"

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas day! Although my heart ached that I wasn't with my family in South Carolina, our Christmas was filled with great memories.
There's something about Christmas morning that never changes no matter how old you are. As I opened my eyes, a smile stretched across my face...it was Christmas morning, and I was the first one up and ready to open gifts. I ran into Tony's room chanting "Santa Claus Comes to Town". Yes, I did my goofy mom dance while I sang! Tony lifted his brow and threw the covers over his head as I heard the grumble from under his covers "ughhh, Mom, I'll be out there soon." I then ran to Philip's room...he had been awake, fallen back asleep, and then barely up watching a movie. I kissed him on his forehead, wished him a Merry Christmas, and was headed off to the living room to wait. The two slowly emerged, and with my funky reindeer hair peice strapped to my half combed hair, I was ready to play Santa Claus!
Gifts were opened, and memories were forever made in my mind. I can't explain the joy I had when I opened "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child! For all you cooks out there, you can relate to the excitement of holding the world's most precious cookbooks in my hands! I guess it would be the equivalent of the biggest Michael Jackson fan receiving MJ's "silver glove"! Not only was I in heaven with the cookbooks, but I also received a food processor! Now I can retire the thirty year old processor that weighs 50lbs! Didn't belong to me anyways, and it feels good to get rid of another item of the ex-wife once and for all!
Back to Christmas and the dinner....
While this time was joyous for me, I still couldn't shake the tears as I wished for my family back in South Carolina to be a part of this moment. I thanked God for the blessings in my life and carried on with a smile on my face and in my heart.
The morning came and went, and now it was time to prepare Christmas dinner for Tony's girlfriend, Megan, her mom and dad, and Philip's brother Curt and his wife Dodie.
The only disappointment was my prime rib. I had it cooked to the perfect temperature, but I was afraid by the time it was served the meat would be cold. Therefore, I put the roast back in the oven for five minutes, and the rare meat became medium well..well :( I also prepared white beans with buttered spinach, macaroni and cheese, roasted red potatoes with garlic and rosemary, and fresh salad and rolls.
I would like to share with you my recipe for the best tasting macaroni cheese you will ever eat and serve to others. It's a twist on my grandmother's recipe, jazzed up by my mother, and then my own personal touch! I hope you enjoy. This New Year, I wish for you all to step out of your comfort zone, prepare a dish from your heart, share it with those you love, and never forget where it all began. Then you have made something wonderful for you to be proud to serve, while making new and wonderful memories for many to share (and someday write about.) Happy New Year Everyone!

"The Three Holley's Macaroni and Cheese Casserole"

1 large (16-20 oz.) bag of large elbow macaroni noodles
2 lb block of extra sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 cut into small cubes) remaining cheese will be thinly sliced for topping
1 stick melted butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup chunky blue cheese dressing
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tbls. salt to for boiling water
1 large greased glass baking dish ( 12x3 inch casserole dish is good.)

Preheat oven to 375.
In a large stock pot, bring six quarts of water to a boil (add salt and olive oil to the water). Once water reaches a boil, add noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain. Return noodles to pot and add butter, 3/4 of sharp cheese, salt pepper, and dry mustard. Stir well until cheese starts to melt and seasonings are well coated on macaroni. Pour macaroni mixture into greased baking dish.
In a separate medium size bowl, beat eggs, blue cheese dressing, lemon juice, milk, and red pepper. Beat until egg mixture forms air peaks. With a fork, carefully separate macaroni and pour in egg mixture over entire casserole. Be sure that you have coated all noodles and the egg/milk mixture reaches 3/4 up the sides of the noodles. If it doesn't seem like you have enough liquid, pour in 1/4 cup more of milk.
Top with remaining sliced cheese; making sure to cover the entire top of macaroni. Place in pre heated oven (375) for thirty five to forty minutes. If the top looks like it is browning too quickly, cover top with a loose piece of aluminum foil. Remove from oven and check center of casserole with a butter knife. If the center is not "milky" the casserole is done. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy with your favorite main dish! And most of all, enjoy it with the people you love and who love you in return. God Bless you all, My Dear Friends and Family!
See you in 2010!!!!