In a Scramble

In our attempt to make a quick getaway from the city on Friday night (to get up to the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival) we did a dine-and-dash. I had eggs and leftover bits of cheese. I threw it all into the blender and experienced Vita-Mix "scrambled" eggs for the first time. I only put that in quotes because they are a slightly different animal than traditional scrambled eggs. Because the machine completely homogenizes the mixture the texture is fluffy and almost custardy. Sort of like souffle-meets-an-omelet in consistency.

Of course there is no need to add anything, but it's a great way to use up the this-and-that in your fridge.

Dinner in a Scramble

Serves 2

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons hard goat's milk cheese

1/4 a small onion

6 eggs

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons water

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Place all the cheeses and onion in the container of the Vita-Mix. Start on variable #1. Increase to #10. Run until the cheese is all grated and combined (if using solid chunks).

Stop the machine and add the eggs, milk and water. Start the machine on variable #1, increase to #10, then high. Run the machine for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and the sound changes. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Viola! Dinner.

No Longer Got the Blues

"Put the blue box down and walk away slowly. Keep your hands where we can see them."

If I had known just how easy homemade mac and cheese could be I would have tried it a long time ago. Then again, it's made a LOT easier with Thor. You can use up leftover odd bits of cheese, play around with whatever veggies you have on hand, even omit the pasta altogether convert it into a gratin.

Better-Than-Box Mac & Cheese

Serves 4

5 ounces uncooked macaroni

2 cups frozen or fresh broccoli

5 ounces extra sharp Cheddar

2 ounces Gorgonzola dulce (or other mild blue cheese)

1 cup hot milk

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 small onion

1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 small garlic clove

2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ

3-4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, Drain well and pour into prepared casserole dish. Distribute broccoli over pasta.

Meanwhile, place the cheese, hot milk, flour, onion, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt and garlic in the container of the Vita-Mix. Start on #1 variable, increase speed to #10. Blend until cheese is melted and onion is incorporated.

Pour cheese mixture over macaroni. Sprinkle top with wheat germ and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.