How to Make Delicious Mac and Cheese

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and thoughts related to winter weather, particularly snow, and how it affects their daily lives and activities. Various anecdotes about snow preparation and reactions to weather forecasts are shared, along with reflections on past experiences with snow.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions being prepared for a blizzard and looking forward to hibernating with fun activities.
  • Another participant shares a challenging experience with snow blocking their furnace pipe, requiring their partner to clear it from the roof.
  • Several users express frustration over grocery shortages during snow forecasts, with one noting the absurdity of stockpiling items like milk and eggs when no snow actually fell.
  • One participant recalls how people in Kentucky would stock up on soda and frozen pizza instead of traditional snow supplies.
  • Another participant reflects on growing up in a snowy region and the different attitudes toward snow preparation compared to their current location.
  • One participant humorously describes the chaos that ensues when the word "snow" is mentioned, including media coverage and community reactions.
  • Several participants share their mixed feelings about snow, with some expressing love for it and others expressing dislike, particularly in relation to their work commitments.
  • One participant mentions the unusual weather patterns, suggesting a link to global warming, while others share their experiences with heavy snowfall and its impact on their lives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding their feelings about snow, with some expressing enjoyment and others frustration. There is no clear consensus on the best way to prepare for winter weather.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes that reflect regional differences in weather preparedness and cultural attitudes toward snow. The discussion highlights a variety of experiences and emotions associated with winter weather.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers within the consultant community who are interested in shared experiences related to winter weather and its impact on daily life may find this discussion relatable.

The_Kitchen_Guy
Silver Member
Messages
12,389
017.gif
 
THANKS! :D

We have a Blizzard Warning for this afternoon and all day tomorrow. I'm stocked up on everything we need to be happy here, and I'm ready to hibernate and have fun!
 
Ugh, we are right in the middle of it! There was so much snow on the roof it blocked the pipe to the furnace and blew out our pilot light! DH had to get on the roof to uncover it. We are home from work too.
 
Weatherman calling for snow - no milk, no TP, and no eggs in the stores...

they called for snow last night.... we got none.. so what to do with 5 gal. of milk and 80 rolls of TP and the 6 doz eggs I got.....
 
colegrovet said:
Weatherman calling for snow - no milk, no TP, and no eggs in the stores...

they called for snow last night.... we got none.. so what to do with 5 gal. of milk and 80 rolls of TP and the 6 doz eggs I got.....

LOL - that sounds like people in SC when I lived there! If there was even a possibility of snow, the stores were emptied of milk, eggs, bread, TP...oh, and liquor.
 
We have games, books, movies, a couple craft projects, stuff to bake cookies, and plenty of other food. Didn't even think to check the TP status...but I'm sure there is plenty! (I always have an extra pack in house)
 
When we lived in Kentucky, people didn't grab milk and bread, they grabbed soda and frozen pizza. :D
 
I always have to laugh when I seen them exiting the stores with just those items.. as if they think they will be snowed in for a month..
 
colegrovet said:
Weatherman calling for snow - no milk, no TP, and no eggs in the stores...

they called for snow last night.... we got none.. so what to do with 5 gal. of milk and 80 rolls of TP and the 6 doz eggs I got.....

It just kills me seeing the same thing here in Delaware, or how the schools are delayed today for the rain. (It's 55 out).

I grew up in the snow belt in upstate New York, we were frequently snowed in for days, and if we could get out we took the snowmobile to the local market for some milk.
 
robochick84 said:
It just kills me seeing the same thing here in Delaware, or how the schools are delayed today for the rain. (It's 55 out).

I grew up in the snow belt in upstate New York, we were frequently snowed in for days, and if we could get out we took the snowmobile to the local market for some milk.

LOL.. I grew up in Northern PA, if we got snowed in, it was go to the barn and get milk, and to the chicken coop for eggs.. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I had about 10" of wet, heavy, global warming on my driveway this morning. There's more on the way - Hizzoner, Governor Diamond Jim declared a state of emergency (oh, please. This is Wisconsin, this is winter) in all 72 counties and all state offices are closed. 18" in Madison, maybe that had something to do with it. Only 2" in places closer to Lake Michigan. There's more coming tonight. The television stations are all in full-time REPENT! THE WHITE DEATH IS COMING! mode, with the obligatory reports from hardware stores and the salt yards.This is a whopper and it's snowing in places it shouldn't be snowing (like Phoenix) and one local meteorologist is saying this may be the biggest snowfall to hit Wisconsin in a long time - if not in history. I dunno - there was a major storm in April 1973 that closed Milwaukee for three days and I wasn't around for the winter of 1948 but the pictures are pretty scary. If they think it's gonna be worse that those, well, we're gonna get clobbered. So it goes.The tops of my arbor vitae were touching the snow this morning. I busted the snow off of them, but they're still pretty badly bowed over. I hope they come back.
 
The word "SNOW" makes everyone go crazy. I am also tired of watching the TV reports about road crews and hardware stores. I wonder if they are the same stories pre-recorded from years gone by and just repeated when the "SNOW" starts coming our way. Hmmm?? I can't prove it yet but will watch with a close eye from now on for proof.

In northern Missouri, we have 5-6" and bone chilling cold. Yuck!! I am sitting at the computer listening to the best winter sound of all. My son shoveling the driveway. I couldn't wait for him to grow into that chore.

I haven't even ventured out to the grocery store. I might have a mini crisis right here in my own home. I had better check the cupboards. I really don't panic because I can see the grocery store out the kitchen window. I could just walk over there if need be.

I guess I should go and make something warm for my son. He looks really cold out there on the driveway. Brrr...
 
babywings76 said:
When we lived in Kentucky, people didn't grab milk and bread, they grabbed soda and frozen pizza. :D

When I was a teenager we got stuck at my best friend's house for three days. There was another friend plus her brother and sister there. Her dad went to the gas station to get provisions: Mt Dew, frozen pizzas, hamburger helper, donuts and pop tarts! I remember it like it was yesterday, he said the clerk gave him the weirdest look until he told him he had 5 teenagers stranded at his house!
 
We lucked out and only got an inch or so. But it's REALLY windy here now. Something around the front door makes a terrible whistle when the wind is coming hard from just the right direction. I keep hearing it whistle today. It's a good day to sit on the couch under a wool afghan. (Good thing I'm doing just that!)
 
I guess I'll be the Bah Humbug'er on this post. It's 83 degrees outside. And the only "weather" we're expecting in this state anytime soon is rain. Lots and lots and lots of rain. I just hope we get another cold snap soon so it FEELS like Christmas just a little more this year. :(
 
sklay723 said:
I guess I'll be the Bah Humbug'er on this post. It's 83 degrees outside. And the only "weather" we're expecting in this state anytime soon is rain. Lots and lots and lots of rain. I just hope we get another cold snap soon so it FEELS like Christmas just a little more this year. :(

I was in Ft Lauderdale right before Thanksgiving! I'm missing it right now. It was so gorgeous and warm! But it did feel weird to have 85 degree weather and Christmas decorations out!
 
It's 71 here now; the rain and strong storms have passed and we have sun for a while. Wahoo!​
 
I agree with KG's first post. I am NOT dreaming of a white Christmas. Don't need to dream about what's usually reality. And, I'm sure it's because of global warming that it's snowing in places where it shouldn't be snowing, like Phoenix.
 
It's windy here ... and tomorrow they are calling for snow. I've got a nasty cold and SHOULD HAVE called off the last two days. I got like zero sleep last night. So if it's the big one, my cold will take a sudden turn for the worst. Our office functions regardless of rain, snow, sleet or bizzard, so the weather is no excuse ... even when the office is 17 miles away.Heading home to have some yummy potato and corn chowder. Well, it's the first time I've made it, so I sure hope it's yummy!
 
I love snow. I can't say I love the gale-force winds we're having today, though. Think I'm going to run a nice, hot bath and warm myself up.
 
I hate snow maybe I shouldn't be living in Ct , I have 12 shows for January and the SNOW better not fall on my Parties !
You florida consultants have it made shows in warm weather all year round I am so jealuos
 
  • Thread starter
  • #22
raebates said:
I love snow. I can't say I love the gale-force winds we're having today, though. Think I'm going to run a nice, hot bath and warm myself up.

I don't ordinarily mind snow, in fact, I kinda like this. Last night, though, it wasn't really snow, it was concrete.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
I don't ordinarily mind snow, in fact, I kinda like this. Last night, though, it wasn't really snow, it was concrete.

I had that same stuff in my driveway this morning. :( My back is killing me now from the concrete removal I did earlier today.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
I don't ordinarily mind snow, in fact, I kinda like this. Last night, though, it wasn't really snow, it was concrete.

I shoveled this concrete here in northern NY this afternoon. I am sure my back will have some revenge planned for me!! We now await lake effect snow and the winds blowing in from the storm heading our way. Although I do love the different seasons, I am one of those people who welcome and love the snow. Added benefit is that I work in a school system that closes if the weather is too bad!!!:D
 
I'm so glad we got mostly rain:)! Now it's snowing and blowing like crazy (not really sticking much though) and very cold - I'm so glad I didn't have a show tonight.

I could live in Florida!
 
robochick84 said:
It just kills me seeing the same thing here in Delaware, or how the schools are delayed today for the rain. (It's 55 out).

I grew up in the snow belt in upstate New York, we were frequently snowed in for days, and if we could get out we took the snowmobile to the local market for some milk.

Where did you live in upstate NY? We get lake effect where I am, but about 40 to 50 miles south of here right off from Lake Ontario, they are calling for 4 feet of snow by Saturday (and it is Wednesday night!):eek:
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
I had about 10" of wet, heavy, global warming on my driveway this morning. There's more on the way - Hizzoner, Governor Diamond Jim declared a state of emergency (oh, please. This is Wisconsin, this is winter) in all 72 counties and all state offices are closed. 18" in Madison, maybe that had something to do with it. Only 2" in places closer to Lake Michigan.

Totally OT, but hey, KG, we're going to be in Madison in early August for the U.S. Transplant Games. How far are you?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #28
About 90 minutes. :)Except in snow, of course.
 
colegrovet said:
Weatherman calling for snow - no milk, no TP, and no eggs in the stores...

they called for snow last night.... we got none.. so what to do with 5 gal. of milk and 80 rolls of TP and the 6 doz eggs I got.....

Um. Where I come from, them's the ingredients for a three-day long hootenanny!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for making mac and cheese?

The best cheeses for mac and cheese are those that melt well. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for added flavor. For a creamy texture, consider adding cream cheese or Velveeta.

How can I make my mac and cheese creamier?

To make your mac and cheese creamier, use a combination of cheeses that melt well, add a bit of cream or milk to the cheese sauce, and consider incorporating ingredients like sour cream or cream cheese. Cooking the pasta al dente and mixing it with the cheese sauce while it's still hot will also help achieve a creamy consistency.

Can I add vegetables to my mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or roasted tomatoes can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your mac and cheese. Just make sure to cook the vegetables beforehand or add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender.

What is the best way to bake mac and cheese?

To bake mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cooked pasta and cheese sauce to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last few minutes.

How can I make mac and cheese healthier?

To make mac and cheese healthier, consider using whole grain pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, or using lower-fat cheese options. You can also add in vegetables for added fiber and nutrients, and use Greek yogurt or cauliflower puree to create a creamy texture without as many calories.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • kam
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Replies
13
Views
9K
tiggerhale
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
  • JaimeQ
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
28
Views
6K
pc ri lisa
Replies
20
Views
2K
janetupnorth
  • Niki Kate
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
8K
Niki Kate
  • babywings76
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
5K
Staci
Replies
4
Views
21K
Staci
  • PamperedCaniac
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
9
Views
3K
kam
  • fifiplc
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
wcsis
Back
Top