The following is a recipe that has been held in secret in my family for generations.
Just kidding I found it on the internet three years ago and have been using it ever since. It has been so long, I have it and the steps to make it almost completely memorized.
So here's what you will need.
- 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 ounces cubed processed cheese food
- utensils needed: a large pot, a medium sized pot, a large bowl, glass casserole dish
Okay here we go.
Step 1:
Fill the large pot with water and bring to a boil on the stove top. Cook to the macaroni until it is al dente, or not fully cooked but pretty much there. Then drain and set aside. Its okay to sample the pasta to make sure it tastes good!
(But don't be like Amy and eat all of the pasta or we'll have no "Mac" for our Mac 'N' Cheese.)
Step 2:
In the medium pot over medium heat melt the butter. Once the butter is melted whisk in the flour until a chunky solid is formed.
(Whisking is an essential life skill! Learn it!)
Step 3:
Now that we have a weird butter-flour solid its time to add the milk and dissolve that weird looking stuff. Add the milk directly to the pot and turns he heat to medium-low and cook the mixture until it is thick and bubbly, stirring every so often with the whisk.
(It's not a requirement to look as good as Beyoncé while you are cooking but it does help the food taste better in the end.)
Step 4:
It's the time we have all been waiting for... Its time to add the cheese! Once the mixture is thick and bubbly you can start to add the cheese. Start with the shredded cheese, once that is melted add in the cubed cheese a couple cubes at a time. Cook this until it is thoroughly melted. Make sure you continue to stir it on low heat so it doesn't burn.
(I am a strong proponent of adding as much cheese as you want because in reality there is never enough cheese on anything.)
Step 5:
Now its time to bring the macaroni back out and pour it into a large bowl. Make sure there is room to spare in the bowl. Now pour the cheese mixture on top of the macaroni and stir it up to make sure it is all coated. This is a prime time to do a taste test so I suggest you do it!
(As I said looking adorable while cooking and eating the food you made is key to having good tasting food but like isn't a requirement.)
Step 6:
Make sure you coat the glass casserole dish with a thin coat of butter in order for the easiest serving. Then pour the cheese and macaroni mixture into the dish. Place in the oven at 350 degrees for 30/40 minutes depending on how crispy you like your Mac and Cheese.
(Now children be careful we are working with a hot oven and I don't want any of you to get hurt.)
After letting it stand for at least 10 minutes its time to enjoy!!!
I hope you guys get to make this and that it turns out tasting great! If not come over to my house and I will make it for you and I'll look cute while doing it.
Enjoy the food!
