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It’s cold and rainy in the Pacific Northwest, while other parts of the nation sweat. This is perfect weather for one of the best comfort foods ever.

Baked macaroni and cheese may seem daunting if you’ve not made it before, but it’s not difficult. Several months ago my fella tried out a new recipe, courtesy of Alton Brown, and we loved it. Our party guests did too. The not-so-secret ingredients: onions and panko breadcrumbs. So crunchy.
Baked macaroni and cheese

But the other night I wanted to fix something quick and there wasn’t much in the proverbial pantry, so I thought a stovetop mac & cheese would be the thing. Did a little searching online and found a recipe I liked. It was from, coincidentally (?) Alton Brown. Okay, it’s nothing like baked macaroni and cheese, but definitely better than the stuff from a box! It calls for evaporated milk but I just used whole milk, and added some Beecher’s Flagship for extra cheesy flavor.
Stovetop mac & cheese

Update: stovetop mac & cheese does not make good leftovers.

Stick a feather in your cap and call it…

Fabric roller shades: a how delightful post at bohemian hellhole

When choosing lighting for my early mid-century house, I considered Rejuvenation, who have been offering quality period lighting for thirty years. I like their products, but was looking for even more classic, streamlined options.

Then I discovered that schoolhouse rocks. Schoolhouse Electric Co., that is. This company, also based in Portland, creates hand-blown glass shades from cast-iron moulds and laboriously shapes brass fixtures to craft beautiful lighting designs reminiscent of those used in schoolrooms, office buildings and homes of the early- to mid-20th century.

I chose fixtures and shades for five rooms (and shot crap photos of them).

One of my favorite warm weather drinks is a glass of dry white wine. Pair a crisp Orvieto or a fresh Vinho Verde or a tart but not-too-grassy Sauvignon Blanc, like this inexpensive variety from Washington’s Columbia Valley with your favorite grilled protein and green vegetable. A simple delight.