I never thought I'd find the best veggie burger in small town Ontario but somehow The Lakehouse in Fenelon Falls has done it! This place is so great! No only do they cater to the meat eaters but they've got a whole different menu for us vegetarians and vegans! And I'm telling you, their California Dreamer Veggie Burger is just delicious (fresh bun, tender patty topped with guacamole, tomato and spinach). Not to mention the sweet potato fries with their chipotle/cashew-butter dip. If you ever find yourself in Fenelon you MUST visit this restaurant, I guarantee everyone in your party will be satisfied.
Once we fueled up and returned to the cottage we suited up for an epic battle! The snow was JUST right for a snowball fight. It didn't take long to tucker ourselves out with all the ducking for cover, packing snow, throwing and running for our lives. It really works up a sweat! We also put together a mighty snowman whose torso must have weighed 50 pounds. After Melissa and I tried and failed to lift it we had to recruited one of the boys to put him together. Once we were satisfied with our sculpting skills we headed for the trails.
We haven't had much of a winter here in Toronto so it was so nice to finally spend some time in the snow! The trees were so beautiful and the trail was so quiet (well except for the snowmobilers). We managed to see some wild turkeys and what we think was a mink. There is something great about being outdoors with friends. The fresh air made us silly and giggly and the open space made me feel free, self-confident and really, really happy. All that laughing gave my belly a workout! I finally was able to let go of all the stress and anxiety I've been carrying with me for the last couple months. We hiked for a good hour and a half and of course worked up our appetite.
The rest of our night was spent making up for all that healthy outdoor activity! We made pizzas, had pasta salad, doughnuts, chips, salsa and homemade hummus! Oh, and don't forget the Bailey's and hot chocolate, mmm! I may not have made the healthiest choices but boy did I have a delicious evening!
When Bryan and I got home tonight I really wanted to make something quick and easy. What's more comforting and easy than good old mac 'n' cheese?! We had lots of cheese leftover from the pizzas so it was really a matter of cooking the pasta. I've been saving a simple baked mac 'n' cheese recipe for a while now so was glad I could try it out. I modified the recipe to suit our needs tonight and I couldn't have asked for anything more satisfying.
450g cooked elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup whole wheat all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups 1% milk
1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1 egg, lightly beaten
1.5 cups old cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (from the can, because I'm lazy but this is totally optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon thyme
Cook up the pasta as directed on the packaging. While that's boiling melt butter in a sauce pan on medium heat and whisk in flour. Stir constantly until smooth.
Add milk and mustard, whisking until smooth. Cook for five minutes, or until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce into a small bowl with the beaten egg, whisking vigorously to prevent the egg from cooking. Once smooth, pour egg mixture back into the sauce and continue whisking. Stir in all the cheese and remaining seasoning until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve in your favourite bowl and top with a little extra cheddar.
Delicious!
With such a great weekend it's hard to get back to reality, but Monday is going to arrive whether I like it or not! For now, it's off to the couch to enjoy what's left of my weekend.
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