January 2009 Archives

A few years back, I needed someone serious to work on my '69 Cadillac. I'd tried a few guys around the area, and they all talked a good game, but it never really worked out. Then, someone recommended Albert.

Albert Motus is young, but really knows his classic American cars. Over the years, Albert worked on the Cadillac, which was in serious disrepair after some neglect before I took over. The Caddie is now in the drive-way, under a new cover, waiting for the cash needed to do an engine swap. When that time comes, Albert is the guy who will do it.

When Sheehan was looking at buying his Solara, he asked me if I had a guy who could do a quick inspection, and I gave him Albert. Albert and his crew specialize in American cars, but he's pretty handy with the imports too.

A&A Automotive
Pasadena, CA
626-744-0926

A few months ago, the spring on my aluminum roll-up garage door broke. Carole dug up the records for the original installation from the packet of stuff left by the previous owners, and amazingly the guy who did the original installation is still in business, in the same location.

Ed came out and replaced the spring — on-time, at the quoted price, and with a warranty. I just sent his info to my sister, who's working on getting my Dad's garage door replaced. Ed is my guy.

Ed Degner
Quality Garage Door Service
909-465-9960 or 626-969-4650

I took a ride on my motorcycle today.

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 3 Tbs butter. Add 6 Fuji apples (peeled, cored, cut into 1/4" slices), 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook about 18 minutes. Off-heat, stir in 2 tsp. vanilla.

Here's some of the books I've read recently - all by Alexander McCall Smith.

44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith. The lives and loves of the residents of a townhome in Edinburgh, along with some of their friends.

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith. Isabel, Jamie, and 15-month-old Charlie. Less mystery, more atmosphere. Isabel has gotten very insecure with herself, lately.

Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith. More from our friends in Edinburgh, including an interesting visit to Glasgow by Bertie and his father.

Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith. I'm still working on this one.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

This recipe is adapted from a cookbook titled "Soul Food". If there are lots of kids coming for Thanksgiving, they will love you forever. And maybe when you are old and alone they will let you come over to Thanksgiving at their family's house. It's like an investment in your future.

• 1 16-ounce package elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 4 drops Tabasco
• 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni. Boil 8-10 minutes, until just tender.

Drain macaroni in a colander. Put butter and cream cheese into the boiling pot. Pour the macaroni back into the pot and stir until butter and cream cheese melt.

Whisk together eggs, Tabasco and evaporated milk. Stir into the macaroni.

Butter a 2-quart casserole dish. Put in half the macaroni, then half the cheddar cheese. Put in the rest of the macaroni, then cover with the rest of the cheese.

Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 20 minutes covered with aluminum foil. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.