Jo Wake, Love and Friendship

If love and friendship had a name, it might be Jo Wake. I tear up even writing this now. Jo was a strong, amazing woman. We've all heard that getting old isn't for sissies. Jo was no sissy, though I hate that term. She remained independent right up until the last few days of her life.

Her interests were so wide and varied, one can not name them all. She was a life-long learner like we all should strive to be. I can't tell you how many shows and musical videos I watched because she recommended them. She also loved to recommend books.

I was one of the fortunate ones for whom Jo read and edited my books. She was excellent at it. But once or twice every book, she would suggest an edit that was changing my American wording to something British or Canadian. It always made me smile.

Jo loved to cook and experiment. She convinced me to buy an instapot so I could try some of those delicious recipes. She encouraged me to start with something simple and sent me her Mac-n-Cheese recipe. It's delicious.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

 

This macaroni and cheese is every family's favorite comfort food pasta recipe made easy in the Instant Pot!  You can have creamy, mouthwatering, homemade mac and cheese for dinner in about 10 minutes!

 

8 oz Uncooked Elbow Macaroni

2 cups Chicken Broth

1 Tbs Butter

1 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp Salt

1 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

1/2 to 1 cup Milk

 

1. Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt to the Instant Pot.

 

2. Place the lid on the pot and set to sealing.  Cook on manual function, high pressure for 5 minutes.  Then, do a quick release.

 

3. Stir in the cheeses and milk until smooth.  Season as necessary to taste.

 

4. Notes

 

5. NOTE:  The cheeses listed in the recipe have produced the best flavor that I have found.  Feel free to use your family's favorite cheese combination.

 

6. NOTE:  For the milk, start with 1/2 cup and add up to one cup if you find it needs to be thinned out a little bit more.

 

7. IMPORTANT: Empty pot before sitting down to eat otherwise it will be difficult to clean as cheese sticks.

 

Servings: 4

I cherish my friendship with Jo and will never forget her. My instapot won't allow it. Cheers, Jo. I think heaven is eating a little better with you there.