Comfort Foods: Mac & Cheese

It seems as though it might be a major offense to do a comfort food series without including Mac & Cheese.  It is nearly the definition of comfort food; relatively easy, simplistic in its ingredients, and warm both literally and figuratively with all its cheesy, gooey goodness. 

A “made from scratch” mac & cheese can be just what one needs on cold winter evening.  It can be adapted to suit your taste or the occasion.  Like a little bit?  Make it with a pepper jack combination.  Going for a more dinner party worthy dish?  Make with asagio & provolone and bake topped with breadcrumbs in individual serving sized dishes.  Looking for a more neutral flavor?  You can’t go wrong with traditional cheddar.

We have crafted this recipe from a few different sources, none of which I remember as this was long before I ever imagined sharing on the web.  And we do change up the type of cheese based on what we have on hand and what we are in the mood for – so feel free to substitute away there.

Stove-Top Macaroni & Cheese

Serves 6

4 cups uncooked macaroni (shells, cavatappi, fusilli, or even penne work well)
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 1/4 cups skim milk
1/4 c cream cheese
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp worchestshire sauce
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (can subsitute different cheeses)
Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta al dente.

Stir flour, salt, black pepper in medium saucepan. Whisk in milk until well blended.  Crop in cream cheese by spoonfuls.  Bring to a boil, stirring until cream cheese is melted. 

Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occassionally until thick.  Stir in mustard, worchesteshire sause, and garlic; simmer 1 minute.

Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese.

Combine cheese sauce with pasta, toss well to coat.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. 

** For baked mac & cheese, once the pasta and cheese sauce is mixed well pour into a baking dish or into ramekins for individual servings.  Stir 1 tbsp melted butter with 3 tbsp bread crumbs and sprinkle on top with the parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20+ minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are toasty brown.

Enjoy!

~ Tara

Comments

[Rose]

Oh no! Mac and Cheese! It's my nemesis! I could seriously eat that stuff until I explode (not pretty). Your version sounds delicious. I love the use of cream cheese!