Big K's Mac And Cheese

Make a light-colored roux:
1/2 c. flour
1 stick butter
1 1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
sauteed shallots

Add to roux:
10 oz. grated Gruyere cheese
10 oz. grated cheddar cheese
4 oz. grated Swiss cheese
chopped ham (optional)
chopped cooked bacon (optional)
cooked egg noodles or macaroni (al dente)

Pour into greased casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs or grated cheese, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Place under broiler until top is bubbly.

Thin Mints

1/2 lb semi-sweet dark chocolate (melting baking chocolate or dark chocolate chips)
2-3 drops peppermint extract
1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
crushed candy canes

Melt chocolate over low heat or in a glass cup at 15-second intervals in the microwave (stir after each 15 seconds.)

Stir 2-3 drops of peppermint extract into the melted chocolate (don't use too much peppermint--the 2-3 drops is plenty.)

Dip each Ritz Cracker in the melted chocolate and place on a foil covered cookie sheet making sure they don't touch each other.

Sprinkle each dipped cracker with a small amount of crushed candy cane.

Chill. Eat. Enjoy.