Dinner with the Prices--More Good 'ole 'merican Food

A stellar example of Trey's fantastic camera work.

It is my first night on my annual summer trip to Orange County with my family to visit my grandma and my girlfriend's family, the Prices. On the first night in town an easy dinner is always the best bet, so tonight we have a great group--Kristi's dad, Fred, her two older brothers, Trey and Brad, their girlfriends, Katrina and Hayley respectively, my brother, Benjamin, and Trey's longtime friend 'Drew, and we are grillin' burgers and 'dogs.

Brad made the burgers (using Montreal steak seasoning, one beaten egg, and some other goodies from the cupboard) and Trey manned the charcoal to give us perfectly cooked burgers, hot dogs (Nathan's, of course), and some bratwurst.

I know no one is going hungry tonight!

Brad, the mad scientist!

Trey playing with his new camera, Brad and Drew tag teaming the grill.

Trey doin' work on a burger.

And of course my homemade mac 'n cheese!

JG's Homemade Mac 'N Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart- half gallon whole milk
• 1/2 a white onion
• 1 large bay leaf
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons AP flour
• Kosher salt
• White pepper
• Two 16oz boxes of desired pasta, boiled (my favorite pasta for this is large shells)
• 4-6 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 large ham steak
• 1/2 bag frozen peas
• Goldfish/Cheeze Its/ Italian breadcrumbs 

Process:

1. Begin by warming the milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat with the bay leaf and half an onion in it.
2. (Boil the pasta and keep warm.)
3. Melt the butter in a medium saucier. Gradually whisk in flour, creating a rue. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chop the ham into small cubes.
5. Cook the rue about 10-15 minutes to get the raw flour taste out, then begin whisking in the milk, about a cup at a time, until you have a creamy, fairly loose white sauce. 
6. Add 4/5 of the cheese, reserving a little for the top. Stir until you have a rich cheese sauce. Season to taste.
7. Using a large pan or pot, put half the noodles in the pot. Then add 3/4 of the cheese sauce, ham and peas. Stir.
8. Add the rest of the pasta, cheese sauce, ham and peas and stir until well incorporated.
9. Pour into casserole dish prepared with nonstick cooking spray.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
11. Finish by sprinkling crushed Goldfish over the cheese layer. (Use breadcrumbs or Cheeze Its if desired)
12. Bake at 375 F for 25-35 minuted, depending on your oven.