close to home: macaroni and cheese with broccoli

The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter….autumn seems just around the corner. And while I do love my autumn nights, this summer has been nothing short of lovely and I’d love it to continue just a bit longer. Leisurely picnics, tennis games that stretch long into the evening and bike riding in skirts and bare legs are things I’m not ready to give up yet. But fall is a time that brings me closer to home and that means comfort foods eaten on the couch while watching black and white movies. Yes, autumn does have it’s pull. And this is where the homey, rich and borderline sinful mac n’ cheese takes it’s rightful place alongside of me on the sofa.

12 comments to “close to home: macaroni and cheese with broccoli”

  1. 1
    Joanne   August 29, 2006 at 9:23 pm

    I must try this out!
    Panko crumbs is a great alternative to regular bread crumbs. I think I’ll use spelt pasta, so I can eat more and not feel as sluggish after the mega carb overload 🙂
    We folks here in T.O. are still feeling the heat, although it has cooled down considerably these past few days. However, I did something daring today…I turned on my oven and baked TWO banana bread loaves. The first one is gone…I can’t wait for “breakfast”!

  2. 2
    linda   August 30, 2006 at 6:31 am

    I’ve been feeling the autumnal pull as well. Crisp mornings, evenings curled on teh couch listening to the rain fall….I love summer, but there is something so comfortable about fall.

  3. 3
    crystal   August 30, 2006 at 8:16 am

    Oh, that looks yummy. I’m waiting impatiently for an autumn that may never come here in Austin… 🙂

  4. 4
    kickpleat   August 30, 2006 at 10:29 pm

    it’s great to be able to turn on the oven again, isn’t it, joanne! although i’m sure we’ll soon miss all the hot weather!

    linda, i know exactly how you feel!

    summers must be soooooo long for you in austin, crystal! i’m not sure if i’m envious or not 😉

  5. 5
    kickpleat   September 1, 2006 at 10:26 am

    mimi, true, our bodies are funny like that. it’s starting to get cool in the morning so i’ve been craving oatmeal lately…but i’m holding out! vive le summer!

  6. 6
    Mimi from French Kitchen   September 1, 2006 at 3:27 am

    It always amazes me how our stomachs know when to start craving warmer food. This sounds wonderful!

    This is a wonderful time of year — autumn slowly creeping in while summer hangs on. The best of both worlds, at least in Wisconsin.

  7. 7
    Rebecca   September 1, 2006 at 10:30 am

    Mmmm, that looks really good. I have brocolli on hand too. The best part? My boyfriend won’t eat my leftovers because he hates brocolli! All mine!

  8. 8
    kickpleat   September 2, 2006 at 10:54 am

    rebecca, enjoy the broccoli all to yourself!

  9. 9
    Beth - Zen Foodism   September 9, 2006 at 7:32 pm

    Mmmmmm! This sounds delicious. I am definitely making this some day.

  10. 10
    Betsy Rocks   April 8, 2008 at 11:56 am

    Had this last night. YUM good. I added grilled chicken for my friend and he was pleased as well. He insisted on leftovers for lunch. This was plenty for 4.

  11. 11
    Caitlin   September 7, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    This looks great! Do you think it would freeze well?

  12. 12
    kickpleat   September 8, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Caitlin, I’ve never frozen mac & cheese before but after some googling, it totally does! Good luck!

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