• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 3 lobster tails fresh or frozen 
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 10 black peppercorns
• 2 cups milk
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pound shredded Gruyere cheese
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Romano cheese
• kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Reserve about 2 cups of the hot pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes; scrape the onions into a small bowl and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Strain the milk through a mesh sieve. Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Stir the Gruyere, Cheddar, and Romano cheeses into the thickened milk mixture until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the reserved lobster, onions, and macaroni. Pour the macaroni into a 4 quart casserole and smooth the top. Sprinkle evenly with the panko crumbs.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown, 8 to 12 minutes

This is so yummy, but very rich so a small serving will suffice, if you have the willpower!

I can’t believe that we just celebrated our 2nd anniversary - where has the time gone????  We are taking a break from blogging this summer, as we did last year, but will still be checking emails and the site will be up so that our loyal readers can still access their fav shopping sites through our site. 

We are still actively working on our ‘invention’ which is taking far too long as far as I’m concerned, but samples are being tested and it is moving ahead.  Very exciting and a great way to teach me patience :)

We hope everyone has a relaxing and safe summer with super weather.  I know ours will be very exciting and busy with tons of fun thrown in for good measure.

Feel free to contact me at cynthia@smartsnobs.com if you have any questions or ideas and happy shopping!

Created from premium tequila flavored with the authentic and iconic TABASCO® brand Pepper Sauce, TABASCO™ brand Spicy Tequila is the unique and perfectly-balanced fusion of authentic premium Tequila with the hot, spicy and bold TABASCO® kick. TABASCO™ Spicy Tequila offers a new twist on shots and traditional cocktails like the margarita.

As a shot or in a cocktail, TABASCO™ Spicy Tequila will … Heat up the night.  Check out your local liquor store for this new treat!

INGREDIENTS

• 9 potatoes, peeled
• 6 slices bacon
• 3/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 30 minutes. Drain, cool and slice thin.
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside, reserving drippings.
3. Saute onions in bacon drippings until they are golden brown.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Add to the sauteed onions and cook and stir until bubbly, then remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar, then return to the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute. Carefully stir bacon and sliced potatoes into the vinegar/water mixture, stirring gently until potatoes are heated through.  Serve while warm - super delish!

Offered exclusively by Hammacher Schlemmer, these are the rechargeable, water-resistant speakers that produce robust sound by a swimming pool or indoors without requiring speaker cables or an AC outlet. The included transmitter connects to an iPod or other MP3 player, stereo system, television, or portable CD player and broadcasts a digital wireless signal to the speakers from up to 30′ away. Digital wireless signals are less susceptible to interference than analog signals, resulting in crystal-clear transmissions that penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings. The 15-watt speakers’ integrated 5″ subwoofers reproduce deep bass frequencies and 1″ tweeters disperse accurate high frequencies, providing optimal tonal balance and crisp sound. The rubber bases provide ideal stability on any surface and built-in handles ensure ease of portability. Each speaker’s rechargeable battery operates for eight hours on a seven-hour charge. Includes AC adapters for recharging the speakers, two brackets for wall-mounting, an RCA cable, and a remote control. Transmitter plugs into AC.  It’s a summer must-have!

$199.95 The Rechargeable Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Speakers.

West Elm is the ‘little’ version of Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma and while there are many stores throughout the States, Toronto now has her first!  With everything from cushions and outdoor lanterns to larger pieces like dining tables, sofas and bedroom furniture, there are sure to be a few things you can’t live without!  They also offer an extensive textile collection which makes this a one-stop shopping destination.  A real bonus is that the inventory is on-site so no more waiting for for your shipment to arrive.   

Check out www.westelm.com to browse.  Have fun.

I thought I had heard it all, but eyelash transplants???  The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is now endorsing this.  This is similar to the procedure used for hair transplantion on the head where the surgeon harvests a small area of hair from the back of the scalp and then isolates the individual hair follicles, which are then implanted into tiny puncture holes.  My eyes are watering  just writing about it!  Since the hair on the head continues to grow, these new lashes need to be trimmed every few months and since the hair is straight you must curl them daily.  I’m laughing as I’m writing this but I suppose it is a real problem for people who have lost their lashes due to medical conditions.  Eyelashes really do serve a function as they shield the eye from dirt and dust and people really do look rather odd when they don’t have any.  This procedure takes about 2-3 hours and you are awake, but sedated.  I would want to be comatose!  I just hope that this doesn’t become some fad for the beauty obsessed - I personally can’t imagine doing this unless some medical trauma had taken place.Cost is about $3000 per eye and if you are interested check out www.ishrs.org to find a doctor in your area.  If anyone really does do it, you have to email me cynthia@smartsnobs.com and fill me in - this is just too weird for me to comprehend!

Yoga and yoga wear is soooo popular, that I have been starting to think that I should give it a try!  I’ve pretty much given everything else a try - so why not this too!  (Besides I really like the yoga outfits, they look so comfy.)  So I am starting with the basics - sun salutations, downward dog and a couple of other pretty basic movements.  I don’t want to shrink as I get older and heard yoga  will help to prevent that. I found a yoga dvd with 5 basic routines that is easy to follow with detailed explanations and will allow you to expand your inner yogi self as you get more comfortable with it.  For $10 from Barbara Benagh - Yoga for Beginners.  Click here for site access YOGA

Finally, an answer to the supermarket aisle question: Are organics worth the extra cost? A review of nearly 100 studies shows that the average levels of nearly a dozen nutrients are 25 percent higher in organic fruit, veggies and grains than in conventionally grown produce. In some studies, organic options had nearly 50 percent more of the antioxidants quercetin and beta-carotene.

Stay healthy: Buy organic produce when you can-it’s pricier, but you get more bang for your buck, says Kathleen Merrigan, Ph.D., assistant professor of nutrition at Tufts University. And that’s not counting the benefits that come from reducing the amount of pesticides that enter the groundwater-and your body. “You’ll really do your health good if you splurge on organic as much as possible in the produce aisle,” she says. If you have to be selective, she adds, pick organic versions of the fruits and vegetables that tend to have the highest pesticide residues such as grapes, blueberries and peaches.

Unorthodox in appearance, this is a compact, surprisingly sturdy planter. Great for growing strawberries, herbs or even an assortment of annuals, it has an open top and eight plant pockets in the sides to make use of vertical growing space. Nylon handles let you turn or reposition it for consistent sun exposure.

Made of durable woven polypropylene tarp material, it has double-stitched seams and rivet-reinforced pockets for strength. Grommets reinforce the aeration and drainage holes at the bottom of the planter.

Just 17-1/2″ tall by 13-1/2″ in diameter, it is an ideal size for growing in a limited area such as a balcony or patio.  $16.50 limited quantities.

www.leevalley.com  itemXB638

This duo of products from Perricone MD are infused with the anti-oxidant benefits of Lipoic Acid and DMAE. These products are great for those who want to improve their skin’s radiance, while receiving firming benefits.

Includes
• Nutritive Cleanser with Pump (6fl.oz/177ml)
• Firming Facial Toner with Pump (6fl.oz/177ml)

Nutritive Cleanser with Pump
This is a paraben-free skin care essential that deeply purifies skin, removing all traces of makeup without stripping skin of its beneficial natural oils. It helps to improve skin’s tone and texture, minimizing surface imperfections and combating signs of aging. Skin is left fresh, bright and perfectly prepared for treatment.

Firming Facial Toner with Pump
This products is a non-drying toner that delivers powerful anti-aging benefits that helps firm the skin and restore its natural pH balance. The paraben-free formula helps remove residual impurities and soothes and refines the skin’s texture. $69.00
PERRICONE NUTRITIVE CLEANSER & FIRMING TONER

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 3  6-inch corn tortillas, cut into narrow wedges
• Kosher salt
• 1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cans (15-ounces each) black beans
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Freshly ground pepper

•  In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over moderately high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°. Add the tortillas and fry, stirring occasionally, until crisp and lightly golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tortillas to paper towels to drain; season with salt.
•  In a medium soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil used to fry the tortillas. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the cumin and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and their liquid and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a few tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cilantro and serve.  So good for you!