Hallowe'en Mac & Cheese!

Ah-h Hallowe'en! What great memories. When my children were growing up our house was on a busy corner in Montreal. Hundreds of children rang our doorbell on Hallowe'en and we delivered candy by the bagful. It was always a favorite night. We'd be bundled in fall jackets. Cold and crisp, sometimes snowing, and filled with the shouts and laughter of children. My in-laws would visit and I would prepare a simple meal that we could eat as we answered the door and squealed over ghosts and goblins. On more than one occasion I saw little girls dressed in their mother's April Cornell nighties - angels or fairies for the night. Our boys always had homemade costumes. Popeye, Policemen, artists, and even pumpkin heads (sporting a pumpkin on the head) were some of the costumes. Simple and always a scramble to put together with what was at hand, they were wonderful days.

Food was important - at least for the adults - and after setting a pretty table replete with a lighted pumpkin I made a traditional macaroni and cheese casserole for an easy and delicious meal.

Hallowe'en Mac and Cheese!
1 lb macaroni, cooked
3 TBSP butter
3 TBSP flour
1 1/2 cups of milk
Pinch of salt and dash of pepper
3 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Sprinkle of paprika

In a sauce pan melt butter, stir in flour and milk and cook on medium heat until thick - stir constantly.
Add cheese and stir until melted.
Pour macaroni into a lightly greased baking dish.
Pour cheese sauce over it.
Top with bread crumbs and paprika.
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Yum! Add a green salad and a baguette to complete this meal - and wait for the candy to roll in!

April

Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful

Fall Starts This Week!

Even though we are still having warm summer days, I know fall is on its way. I can tell by the subtle changes in the afternoon sun. There is something in the way the light is subtly different, and you can feel darkness of evening creeping up just a little earlier at the end of each day.

     Fall officially starts this week for us here at April Cornell. In fact, it begins on Thursday the 20th when the whole site switches over to fall. Here is a preview from our fall photo shoot, featuring the debut of the winners of the Face of April Cornell contest. We'll be introducing you to these delightful women in the coming weeks.

     We have many new designs in wonderful mauves, lavenders, rusts and roses. As always there are colorful patterns to mix and match, and our usual eye for detail with embroidery, pin tucks and special button details. The summer sale is over in less than three days, so hurry on by the site for some great deals. But don't wait long because fall is almost here!