MACARONI AND CHEESE

Fall is here and it brings cooler temperatures. It also brings the craving for more comfort food! I have probably the pickiest child ever when it comes to food so I decided I'd make something even he would enjoy. I wanted him to be involved, so he picked out the cheese (sharp cheddar) as well as the type of pasta (Mezze Penne). One thing this kid will eat is cheese! He wants it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So here we go with a cheesy, delicious Macaroni and Cheese that even the adults will love! BTW, he loved it and ate all of his dinner! Enjoy!!

Everything you need to make this yummy Macaroni and Cheese!

Cook the pasta as directed and set aside. Why is it when you are looking at water, wanting it to boil, it takes forever?!

Melt the butter.

Add the flour and whisk constantly while cooking over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

Mix the milk and cornstarch together, then pour into the pan. Keep stirring with the whisk and cook another 3 minutes.

When the sauce is getting thick and bubbly, add the pepper. I use white pepper so you don't see all the little black spots.

Add all the cheese except the 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar.

Stir until all melted and creamy.

Pour in the pasta.

Stir until all coated.

Pour into a baking dish.

Smooth it out.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Take it out and it's bubbling hot goodness!

Add the sharp cheddar on the top and let it melt. Some people like to add the cheese on top, then bake. I prefer it to be melted rather than baked as it forms a hard layer on the top if it's baked. You can choose which is best for you.

Mmmmmmm. Get ready to enjoy some cheesy comfort food!

Macaroni and Cheese

Print version

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni or other pasta
• 3 T flour
• 3 T butter
• 3 cups milk
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 2 cups cheese blend (white cheddar, medium cheddar, sharp cheddar Tillamook cheese)
• 3 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sharp cheddar
• 3 T Parmesan
• ground white pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F

Cook pasta in macaroni as instructed on packaging.

Mix 1 ¼ cup sugar, 1 cup flour in separate bowl.

In large skillet, melt butter and add flour a little at a time using a whisk to blend. Cook on low for about 3 minutes while continuing to whisk mixture. Combine 1 cup of milk and 1 tsp of cornstarch and add to pan while continuing to whisk. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add pepper.

Add shredded cheese blend and cream cheese. Stir until melted and combined.

Add pasta and stir to coat with cheese.

Pour into baking dish.

Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread a thin layer of sharp cheddar on top.  Serve while hot.