Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese.  The ULTIMATE comfort food.  Here's the deal....back in the day...when I was little we bought Velveeta Shells and Cheese.  And dude, that is good to me.  I love velveeta.  And then when I got to college, I would buy Kraft Mac and Cheese (because it was cheaper...I was unwilling to buy the off brand of velveeta).  Anyway, I've been dying to try a homemade recipe for mac and cheese because I mostly want to know what I'm putting into my body.  The idea of powdered cheese kind of gives me the creeps.  What is actually IN powdered cheese????  And what exactly makes velveeta cheese, anyway?  I don't know...I just like to cook something from scratch if I can because it helps me understand what all I'm ingesting.

I was kind of scared to make this because whenever I make new things I never know if it's going to go over well with the HH.  This recipe though, was a really nice surprise.

Macaroni and Cheese

(recipe from The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen)

1 package fusilli pasta

6 cups low-fat milk 

3 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp dry mustard

3/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino-romano cheese

3 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup panko  

1 tbsp butter or margarine melted

Preheat oven to 400.  Prepare pasta as directed on the box.

Meanwhile, in a large glass bowl, heat milk in microwave on High for 2 minutes.  To 4 quart saucepan, add milk.  Whisk in cornstarch, mustard, salt, and nutmeg until well blended.  Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly and boils.  Cook 1 minute longer, whisking constantly.  Remove from heat.  Stir in Pecorino-Romano and then 2 1/2 cups cheddar and stir until cheese melts.

In large mixing bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce until well mixed. Spoon into shallow 3 1/2 quart ceramic or glass baking dish.  Combine panko and melted butter and mix well.  Stir in remaining cheddar until well combined.  Sprinkle over top of pasta and cheese.  Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbling and bread crumbs are golden brown.

Milk and cheese mixture with the pasta

 Ready to be put in the oven

 Finished product...Comfort food at it's best!

I highly recommend this recipe.  Really delicious and really filling.  It can be a main dish or a side and it makes a TON.  It's perfect for cold days and hearty meals.  I really hope you give this recipe a shot!  I know I'll be making it again soon!