Hope strapped on the apron for CIA night this weekend. Macaroni & Cheese from scratch was her dish of choice--as opposed to the Annie's boxed stuff the kids get (and love) whenever there's a babysitter for the evening. A-grating she went, only grazing her knuckles twice in the process. Once again, the Cook's Illustrated recipe delivered. The casserole was creamy, smooth, and cheesy without strings. Salad and ice cream completed the evening.

We're all enjoying the cooking tutorials; James already is browsing through cookbooks and planning his next turn in the kitchen.