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Friday, November 12, 2010

If It's Friday, It's Pasta

Friday's is pasta day at my house.  I am usually recovering from a busy week and want something easy to prepare to start the week-end.

Pasta is quick, easy, inexpensive,  and  something you can make ahead of time, freeze, and enjoy later.

Today, I am making macaroni and cheese.  I have loved macaroni and cheese ever since I was a kid.  It is one of my kids  favorites, too. I experimented around with different cheeses and pastas to come up with our family favorite.  This recipe has been a favorite at pot lucks, youth group functions, and my kids study groups.



    

Four Cheese Macaroni



Ingredients

    * 12 ounces dry large elbow macaroni
    * 3 tablespoons butter
    * 3 tablespoons flour
    * 2 cups milk
    * 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
    * 1-teaspoon salt
    * ½ teaspoon pepper
    * 1 cup shredded Dubliner cheese
    * 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
    * 1 cup grated Velveeta cheese
    * Topping:
    * ¼ cup cheese bread breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs
    * 1-tablespoon butter melted
    * ¼ cup shredded Mexican Cheese
   
   
Directions

    * Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    * 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain in colander and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
    * 2. In a medium saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add flour to melted butter and whisk together until combined. Cook for 2 minutes. Add onion powder, salt, pepper and incorporate well.
    * 3. Stir milk into the butter and flour mixture. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil stirring frequently.
    * 4. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
    * 5. Stir in the Dubliner cheese a little at a time being sure all has melted before adding more.
    * 6. Stir in the mild cheddar cheese a little at a time being sure all has melted before adding more. Repeat with the Velveeta cheese.
    * 7. Add macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until well coated
    * 8. Grease a 1-½ qt round baking dish.
    * 9. Pour macaroni and cheese into the baking dish.
    * 10. In a small bowl combine the melted butter and the breadcrumbs. Mix until well coated.
    * 11. Top the macaroni with the breadcrumbs, then top with the Mexican cheese.
    * 11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
    * 12. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer or until bubbly.


 Yield: serves 6



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