Beer Cheese Mac & Cheese & Head Scratchies

In honor of our two year wedding anniversary, I thought it would be really fun to share my vows to Jason. Because I might be the only person you know who wrote their wedding vows in Google Documents which allows me to easily access them at any minute!

Tripoding your own wedding photos makes for great outtakes, PS

I can still remember almost every detail of the first few times we crossed paths, down to the first moment I saw you at freshman year orientation. I never expected the kid with his head down and name tag hidden so all I could see was his major, who I only deemed ‘big headed digital kid’ would be with me where I stand today. I am just glad that you continued to pop into my life when we got back to school, showing up in your little green polo at the art store and then disappearing like a leprechaun. Fortunately, once we sat down and talked, it seemed like we could never stop. And it didn’t take me too long to figure out that you were the one and that I would do just about anything to be with you. I think the defining moment of our relationship for me, the one that said we were meant for each other, was only a few short days after we met. But, when I found a man that loves Disney as much as I do, wants to be a father, and thinks Star Wars is way better than Star Trek, I just knew.

Our first new year's together. I think his head looks bigger here.

It’s been nearly five years since we fell in love, and there isn’t a day where I don’t feel that love. We may have changed, but the beauty is that no matter how we change, we change to love each other more. And you still love me no matter how crazy I get.You have always helped me through hard times when I thought I couldn’t keep designing or running or whatever it was, and you always push me to do my best. You give me the tough love I need, no matter what, and that’s more than I could ever ask for from you. I am so fortunate to have you in my life and I continue to fall deeper in love with you. Every time I see you with a dog I see all the reasons I love you. I can’t believe sometimes that I found someone who is as crazy, and that’s the only word to describe it, about dog’s as I am.

This guy loves his dogs a lot. A lot, a lot.

Five years doesn’t seem like long enough, and I look forward to all the time we have together to continue building our lives together. Our life has been quite a journey already, and I cannot wait to see what is ahead of us. I will always have fun with you, even through stressful times, no matter what. I will always try to cheer you up on bad days and bring you Taco Bell when you need it. And I’m really excited to think of all the puppies we will have in the years ahead! I have already enjoyed our little family with the two we have now so much, and I am excited to see how we will add on to the family down the road.

Back when we lived within walking distance of a grocery store and walked there all the time

And now, as we enter into marriage, I’m not nervous, and I’m not scared. Everyone has asked if we’re getting cold feet, and I never get the question because that has never been a thought to either of us. I have been ready for this for a long time, and I will be proud to be Katherine McAdoo. I promise to love you with all my heart forever, and I will even try to understand all the accounting my mom taught me and do our taxes. And I’ll continue to pay all the bills! And of course, I promise to give you the love you deserve, and I’ll keep cooking you things like beer cheese mac and cheese and giving you head scratchies before bed time. I know our marriage will be a wonderful mix of love, companionship, and more. So let’s do this!

Labor day in the park we would get married in, 3 years prior to getting married

Two years later, I feel the same way. Though, beer cheese mac and cheese hasn't happened for awhile, so I thought in order to celebrate our marriage, it was time for a recipe! This is delicious, albeit a part of the reason Jason probably gained 50 pounds upon meeting me (I view this as awesome, by the by. Boy was too skinny back then.) So here we go! Beer cheese mac and cheese!

Beer Cheese Mac and Cheese
Some crazy adaptation of the recipe on the back of the box, my mom's beer cheese recipe, and my insanity.

What You'll Need
1/2 Pound of Rotini Pasta
1 Tablespoon + 1/2 Tablespoon Butter
1/4 Cup Fat Free Half and Half
Light Sprinkling of flour (about a teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
6 ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
2 Tablespoons Light Sour Cream
4 Ounces Beer, a light ale is preferred
4 Tablespoons Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Spread
1/2 Cup Cheez-Its

 

Preheat over to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 8" x 8" glass dish. Cook pasta according to directions and drain.

While your pasta is cooking, place 1/2 cup of Cheez Its in a bowl with a 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Crush with your hands until finely crumbled.

 

Shred 6 ounces of cheddar and reserve.

Drain the pasta and return to the dish. Over the lowest heat, mix in 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 cup half and half, and a light sprinkling of flour. Mix well. Add in white pepper, garlic powder and seasoned salt.

Slowly add the shredded cheese in. Once all cheese has been melted, add in 2 tablespoons sour cream and stir.

Add in 4 ounces of beer (about a little less than half a bottle)

Next add in the sharp cheddar cold pack cheese by the tablespoon. Mix well.

Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce into the dish. Top with crumbled cheez it and butter mixture.

 

Bake in over at 375 Degrees for 20 minutes. Remove and serve!