Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Traditional Comfort Food

Real Restaurant Comfort Food

Macaroni and Cheese has got to qualify as one of the most popular American comfort foods ever.

It isn't considered gourmet fare, but if it was good enough for President Thomas Jefferson to serve in the White House in 1802, and good enough for our mothers and grandmothers to serve, people just know it is more than good enough for them.

There must be hundreds of variations of the basic mac and cheese recipe but we often crave for the original version, not that many of those variations aren't good (because they are), but just because we want to "feel good" eating something most of us remember perfectly well.

This humble recipe is wonderful just as it is, but if you wish to experiment by adding other ingredients such as chopped vegetables, meat, seafood or herbs or spices, go for it.

This basic recipe lends itself to experimentation! It's great fun!

Although basic Macaroni and Cheese is not on the restaurant menu regularly, it is still offered as both a side dish and entree on special sheets fairly frequently. When featured, restaurant customers always eat it with smiles on their faces. It is delicious, but I also think it is truly comforting for everyone; it brings back fond memories of kinder and simpler days. Most people are cheese lovers.

With two exceptions, this recipe is like every basic mac and cheese recipe I have found. I added a dash of Tabasco and a little dry mustard for a little extra zip. I like a little extra "zip!"

If you choose to leave those ingredients out, you will still have a delicious meal.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

American Comfort Food

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

8 ounces of Elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons of butter
4 tablespoons of flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
3 cups of milk ( or cream )
1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco (optional - goooood)
2 cups ( 8 ounces ) of good quality sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Bread crumbs as needed
Dash of Paprika (another option)

Instructions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; rinse with cold water, drain and set aside
Melt butter in a sauce pan

Add flour mixed with salt, pepper and dry mustard and bland well with a whisk until smooth and bubbly
Gradually stir in milk ( or cream ) and stir until thick and smooth
Add Tabasco to taste and correct salt and pepper if needed
Remove from heat
In a large bowl, mix the macaroni with the cheese and then combine with the sauce
Pour into a buttered baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs and papkrika (if desired)
Bake at 350 degrees F until hot and bubbling (about 30 minutes) or until the top is golden brown

And now ...I have just made myself hungry for this wonderful comfort food! I'm heading to the kitchen to make some for dinner tonight.

If you want another delicious variation of this comfort food, just click on More Mac And Cheese.