Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Classic Baked Mac & Cheese - Guest Blog - Crista


Most of you don’t know me, so you don’t know that I cook at a 5th grade level.  Normally, if I play around with ingredients, the dish ends up a flop!  (side note: I know that my husband is Mr. Perfect-for-me because he eats everything I cook and doesn’t complain about the flops!)  I had the guts to play around with my Mac & Cheese dish and it has become one of 2 dinners that my friends and family request at gatherings.  I make it extremely cheesy, and with a kick.  I’ve tried it without the roux/rue and it didn’t taste nearly as good as it does with it.  You can use any cheese combo; the ones listed below are just my preference.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as my we do! -Crista

Classic Baked Mac & Cheese




Ingredients
 
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup half & half
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4-5 cups Kraft shredded cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Ex: mozz, sharp cheddar, kolbe & monetary jack
1 box elbow macaroni



1.      Prepare pasta according to package directions & keep warm
2.      Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat
3.      Whisk in flour until smooth
4.      Cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes
5.      Gradually whisk in milk and half & half and cook, whisking constantly for 5 minutes or until thickened
6.      Stir in salt, black pepper & crushed red pepper
7.      Add cheese a small amount at a time until all melted
8.      Add cooked pasta
9.      Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 Pyrex and top with a cup of cheese
10.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes (or bubbly)
11.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving



 

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