Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

I have yet to find someone who loves Macaroni and Cheese as much as I do. I grew up on the stuff, literally. But I have to say that I am a macaroni snob. The only boxed macaroni that I like is Kraft and I used to not really care for homemade mac and cheese. As I have gotten older I will gladly admit that my tastes have changed and I prefer the fresh ingredients in my food. To say the least, I think I have found my new favorite Mac and Cheese! It is so delicious and it comes out of my "Southern Living: 40 years of our best recipes" cookbook! Try it out and tell me what you think!

Ingredients:
1/4 c butter
1 small onion, chopped
1TBS all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4tsp dried oregano
8oz elbo noodles, UNCOOKED
2 cups whipping cream
1 1/2 cups milk (can use 3 1/2 cups milk if you don't want it as creamy)
2 cups (8oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
Melt butter in a large skillet (or pan) over medium-high heat; add onion, and saute until tender. Stir in flour, salt and oregano. Cook 1 minute.
Stir macaroni, cream, and milk into skillet. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally. Add cheese, stirring until cheese melts (do not boil).

Mushroom and Potato Chowder

Here is a new one! New to me anyway. My husband and I are soup fans. Although we have our favorites that we like to make, we try to find new ones to add to our collection. This will be a new one added to our collection. If you like potatoes and Mushrooms, you will for sure love it. It is very similar to Potato soup, but a different taste as well with the mushroom's added. Try it out and see what you think :)

Ingredients:
1 small onion, chopped
1/4c butter
2TBS flour
1tsp salt
1/2tsp pepper
3c water
1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 lrg potatoes, peeled & diced
1/2 c chopped carrots (I just bought a small bag of baby carrots and cut them all in half and put them all in.)
1c cream
1/2c grated parmesan (I am a cheese person, so I used half a bag, probably next time will put the full bag :) )

Directions:
In a large pot, saute onion in butter until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper. Stir to make a smooth paste. Gradually add water, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook & stir for 1 minute. Add mushrooms, potatoes and carrots. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 min. or until veggies are tender. Add cream and Parmesan; heat through.