Southern Mac Truck

So happy! Finally got to try The Southern Mac truck! Macaroni and cheese has slowly buy surely become one of my favorite dishes (still trying to find one that beats J Alexanders). I was picking up Kevin from the el today at Fullerton and the truck was there. I've been wanting to try it for probably a year now and Kevin already had 2 Mac and cheese dishes in his hand when he got into the car! I didn't even have to ask :)!

We tried Sundried Tomato and Smoked Bacon and mushroom. Both were quite tasty! Can't wait to try others!

They also now have a store on lake street with lots of Mac and cheeses to choose from. Next time I'm in the loop I'm stopping!

The Capital Grille

Kevin and I LOVE The Capital Grille! My first experience was with Jaime and Erin for my birthday a little over a year ago. They gave us free champagne to celebrate! I decided to take Kevin there for his birthday and then again for our 5 year anniversary (I know, right... Long time) because we had such a great experience on his bday. Both times they gave us The free champagne to celebrate, took a picture of us, printed it out and put it in a paper frame and gave us free dessert...most amazing cheesecake! I don't even look at the dessert menu when I go because it's that fantastic! They really go above and beyond! Not to mention their food is to die for! I need to start lunching there-I would be beyond happy with just their lobster mac and cheese and cheesecake!

If you go to the downtown Chicago location, sit in Val's section! She's the best!

Apples (cont.)

I almost forgot!  Apple Pancake!  Best apple recipe in the world!  I made this on Sunday for Kevin and me.  It was gone in a matter of minutes.  Mom must have doubled the recipe when we were kids, because there used to be enough for the whole family to eat.  

Walker Bros. Apple Pancake

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour (i used bleached - it was fine)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced

Place butter in a 9-inch oven-proof skillet.  Place skillet in a preheated, 425 degree oven for 3-5 minutes until butter is sizzling and skillet is heated.  

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the cinnamon and superfine sugar.  While skillet is heating, beat the eggs well in a large bowl.  Gradually add the flour in 3 parts, beating briefl with a wire whisk after each addition just until batter is smooth.  Add milk, 1/4 cup at a time, beating after each addition until a smooth batter is formed.  

Tilt skillet, making certain that the sides and bottom are well-coated with melted butter.  Quickly place the apples in a thin single layer on the bottom of the hot skillet.  Sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over apples.  

Very carefully, so as not to disturb the bottom layer of sugar and apples, pour the batter evenl over the skillet bottom and return it to the preheated oven.  Bake 10 minutes then reduce heat to 350 degrees.  Continue baking 10-15 minutes or until pancake is puffy and golden brown.  

Lift the edge of the pancake and peek at the sugar coating.  Quickly set the skillet over high heat on the top of the stove for 15-30 seconds to completely caramelize the sugar; peek again - the sugar should be liquid and bubbling.  Tug the pancake a bit to make sure it is loosened completely, then invert the skillet onto a 12-inch serving place, being cautious to avoid any drips of caramelized sugar, which may cause burns.  Serve immediately.  Makes one 9-inch pancake.  

Mine wasn't that pretty looking.  Mom's were always way prettier.