My Favorite Thing: Mac and Cheese

I thought it was time for another "My Favorite Things" feature, AND to share a recipe, so here goes!

I began making macaroni and cheese at holiday gatherings about 6 or 7 years ago. Over the years I have become somewhat well known (at least in my family) for my yummy dish.

When I speak of mac and cheese, I'm not referring to that powdered Kraft stuff, I am referring to homemade, baked, mac and cheese. There is a time and a place for the pre-fab stuff, but my opinion, it is not for special occasions.

Looking back, mac and cheese was was never one of my mom's favorite holiday dishes. I do remember my grandmother making it when I was little. Her macaroni and cheese was beyond amazing. It was a meal in itself; rich, nourishing, and comforting. My grandmother did not teach me to make her recipe, but I like to think that her recipe is recorded somewhere in my DNA, as my dish is very similar to hers.

 I last made macaroni and cheese on Christmas Day, and took a few photos to write a quick blog post. Yep, back on Christmas Day. Slacker much?

I've used different recipes over the years, but I think the best one I've made so far is the Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese I found here.

1 (8 ounce) package macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1 cup cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

fresh ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded good quality

1/2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

3. In a large saucepan melt butter

4. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.

5. Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.

6. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
7. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
8. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.




9. Turn off flame.
10. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

11. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

12. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. (I omitted this part)
13. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown

And there you have it! Pretty and golden and yummmm! What is your favorite comfort food?

Adrienne