I flew to El Paso for four days to visit the lovely Jen. Jen's hubby just left for the other side of the world to defend our freedom. They have two girls, Gabriella who is 5, and Adelynn who is 1. Just in case you were wondering, there is nothing to do in El Paso. Nada. Zilch. Zero. Don't plan on taking any vacations there, unless you want to be bored out of your mind. The only reason to go is to visit friends=)

I arrived on Thursday afternoon. That night we took Gabriella to track practice. On the way Jen drove me up to a scenic lookout in the mountains to view the sunset. It was glorious!We

didn't have time to stay for the entire sunset. This picture does not even begin to share how great it was 30 minutes later. While Gabriella was practicing, Jenny and I walked around the track for about 30 minutes.

Good start to vacation

Friday we took the girls to child care and explored the city. I am really glad we did this because it gave Jen a chance to find stores to shop at that she actually likes! We even found a nice grocery store=) (I know this sounds silly, but it is true.) For lunch we had sushi. You have to know, that this was a big step for me. I haven't had sushi for over 4 years! Last time I ate it I was borderline sick...the food was fine but since then I have lost my appetite for raw fish...it's kinda weirded me out, the raw fish that is...and this loss has made me sad because I used to like sushi.

Fairly decent lunch out with friend

That night we experimented with a new recipe for Mac 'n Cheese from Ellie Krieger. Ellie has a show on Food Network and likes to make healthy, fresh, non-processed foods. (This is my helper, Gabriella.) I should have known from the beginning that this dish was meant for failure. I began pulling the ingredients together, much like any other recipe. Then, while the concoction on the stove was heating, I added fresh grounded salt and pepper. Or should I say, I added some salt, and then proceeded to add half a bottle of peppercorns. Yes, I said half a bottle of peppercorns. Your eyes did not deceive you.

After 20 minutes of picking out peppercorns with a spoon-come to think of it now, there are many more efficient modes of extracting peppercorns I could have chosen from-I mustered up strength from the depths of my cooking soul and journeyed onward.

This was the result.

Granted it looks good. But it tastes like crap-o-lah. Blah. There's a reason you put butter, cheese, and fat into mac n' cheese.

We ordered pizza instead. I ate three pieces.

Experimenting with new healthy recipe

Success of said recipe

Come back tomorrow and read the rest...along with a great recipe for salmon!

Mmmm...doesn't it look good?!?!?!?!