Gorgeous day in the neighborhood
January 14, 2010
St. Charles County, MO
by Kris Kolk
Wasn’t yesterday a welcome change to the cold? At Aldi in Lake Saint Louis, the time and temperature sign read 53 degrees at 1:30 p.m. A winter coat was almost too warm.
I was on my way to see this unique sculpture exhibit at the St. Peters’ Community and Arts Center:
Local artists, Nancy Young and Diana Saffo-Bono, fashioned a dining vignette from donated food. The scene was complete with a flower vase on the “table.” They named their creation, “Chair Care.” The donations will soon be taken to the Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service.
On the way back from The Community and Arts Center, I noticed some geese on the pond at the Villages of Bainbridge subdivision. They seemed to be enjoying the warm afternoon…I guess. How can you tell a goose’s mood?
The day wrapped up with a spontaneous macaroni alfredo dinner. The sauce actually turned out quite tasty. After a year-long tiff, white sauce and I are on speaking terms again. Here’s the recipe:
Macaroni Alfredo
Ingredients:
1 pound of macaroni (or other pasta)
¼ cup butter
1 cup milk
bit of olive oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 ½ cups parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon nutmeg
*Add-ins:
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup chopped pecans
Cover the chopped carrots with water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the carrots for 15 minutes.
While that is in the microwave…
Boil the macaroni in a pot of water until tender.
While the pasta is boiling…
In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. When the onion is translucent, set the pan on low to keep it all warm.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and then add the cup of milk. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Stir until melted and a little bit thickened.
Drain macaroni through a colander and return pasta to the pot. Pour the white sauce over macaroni. Mix well.
Drain the carrots through a colander and add to the pasta.
Run hot water over the frozen peas to thaw. Then add to the pasta mixture.
Either stir in the onion and garlic or else keep it on the side (and away from children who may be offended by it).
Same with the chopped pecans. They can be added to the big pot…or held to the side.
Serve with a green salad.
*These add-ins are only suggestions. Other options might be: chopped ham, celery, steamed broccoli, walnuts etc.
Copyright 2010 Neighbors About Town