Post
 Posted By: aeiou 
Jun 15  # 1 of 17
I started my day by seeing my dentist for a root canal, which was not any fun. A root canal leaves your mouth very sore. On my way to pick up my pain medication I was trying to think what I could make for dinner that was soft enough to eat and would be more filling than pudding, jello or ice cream. I came up with a tried and true dish, Macaroni and Cheese. Even though there are some fine prepared Macaroni and Cheese available to purchase I prefer to make mine from scratch. Making Macaroni and Cheese really is a simple dish to make.
Post
 Posted By: ainjel 
Jun 16  # 2 of 17
This is what the four year old and I ate tonight. I just didn't have the time or energy to make much else. Ours was the boxed variety though, I wish I had the ingredients for homemade. That would have made a much heartier meal. I have no idea what their dad ended up eating. He came home from work and told me he was full. I've become accustomed to cooking for three and it's harder to cook for two now.
Post
 Posted By: aeiou 
Jun 18  # 3 of 17
The recipe I use for homemade Macaroni and Cheese is very simple and easy to make. Most people usually have the ingredients already in their kitchen. I like to grate my cheese fresh from a block of cheese when I make it but it works just as well with the shredded cheese you can buy in the grocery stores. The entire time to make and cook is approx 15 minutes about the same time it takes you to make the box macaroni and cheese.

6 ounces dried macaroni noodles
4 tbsps butter (split into 2 tbsps each)
2 tbsps flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese (can be mild or extra sharp your preference)
1/4 cup dried fine bread crumbs (unseasoned)
2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
pinch nutmeg (optional)
pinch red pepper (optional)

Boil the macaroni noodles according to package directions and drain. While the macaroni noodles are cooking melt 2 tbsps of butter in a saucepan. When melted mix in flour well and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk to flour mixture and mix well. Add nutmeg and red pepper if you like (adds a little for flavor). Cook about 4-5 minutes or until milk begins to thicken. Add grated cheese and cook until all of the cheese is melted. Melt other 2 tbsps of butter in microwave. When done add bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese to form a bread crumb topping. Mix the macaroni and cheese sauce together. Pour into individual oven proof dishes. Top each dish with bread crumb topping. Cook at 500 degrees for 5-6 until top is lightly browned.
Post
 Posted By: ainjel 
Jun 19  # 4 of 17
Hmm, sounds like a pretty easy recipe. I just live frugally so we don't have a lot of extras in the house. I should just plan to make this some day instead of buying the boxed stuff. I have to say though, we've discovered that grating cheese ourselves tastes so much better than the pre-shredded stuff. And it saves a little bit too!
Post
 Posted By: alice.b.toklas 
Jun 20  # 5 of 17
Nice macaroni and cheese recipe, and is close to the one I make. By making the milk, cheese sauce, the cheese really sticks to the macaroni. It'a amazing. I tried several recipes for mac and cheese, but melting the cheese into hot milk is the secret to great macaroni and cheese.

I also love to make my macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar and a whole wheat elbow macaroni noodle, but have made it with a penne whole wheat pasta as well. Could probably use shells.