Getting your kids to love you forever... or making Mac'n Cheese
It's really cliche, this Mac'n Cheese thing. I know that everybody has done it and I have a bit of an issue with that. As soon as 'everyone's done it' I don't want to do it... just for spite. When everyone raved that 'Forest Gump' was the best movie ever... I decided that I was going to hate it. As a kid, when everyone raved that 'Canada's Wonderland' was the best thing ever, I decided that I wasn't going to go (well... that one only lasted for a couple of years). These are the best examples I have at the moment but really... you need to trust me on this one. As soon as it's popular, I'm OUT.
Anyway, the food de-crapping thing continues and I've decided that there will be no more boxed mac'n cheese (not that there was much in the first place but... sometimes it's the only thing that I know for sure my 3 yr old connoisseur will put down his throat). So, back we go to my beloved Bechamel... ah what would I do without it.
When it comes right down to it, the homemade stuff is so much better than the box you think that it must be hard to do but it's not. I don't dress this gal up much... no fancy truffle oil drizzling, no crusty crap on the top (a little extra shredded cheese works well though), no multiple cheesing necessary - whatever is in the fridge will do (Just PLEASE no Cheez Whiz!). Sometimes simple is best.
When it comes right down to it, the homemade stuff is so much better than the box you think that it must be hard to do but it's not. I don't dress this gal up much... no fancy truffle oil drizzling, no crusty crap on the top (a little extra shredded cheese works well though), no multiple cheesing necessary - whatever is in the fridge will do (Just PLEASE no Cheez Whiz!). Sometimes simple is best.
Boil about 2 cups of dry pasta (rotini or penne work well but if you want to go 'old school' use good ole' macaroni) and drain, setting it aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Make Bechamel... I used...
1/2 cup butter melted in a large pot on the stove.
1/2 cup flour added to the pot once the butter is melted and bubbling. Mix together for a few minutes (until the goop is smooth).
Add...
5 cups of warmed milk. Slowly add and mix together, then add some more... little by little until it's all mixed in.
Allow it about 7 minutes to set, keeping the stove at med to low heat. Once it feels like it's getting a little thicker. . .
Add...
about 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar and some aged gouda that was needing to be used up)
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tbsp mustard powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp Pepper sauce (maybe more depending on the heat of your pepper)
Mix it all together in a baking dish. You can also add in diced, cooked ham, sauteed or roasted vegetables... I don't know, get creative!
Bake for 25 - 30 min. or until bubbly and golden...
Kids love you and kiss you and tell you that you are the best Mom ever!!!
... and your 3 yr old has two helpings! ;-)
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About Me
- Wanda Thorne
- St Michael's Choir School is celebrating it's 75th anniversary year of service to St Michael's Cathedral. Part of the school celebration is a trip to Italy where our boys from Grades 5 - 12 will be performing and celebrating Mass. This blog will be chronicling our adventures. Wanda Thorne is the Vocal Coach at St Michael's Choir School. Gerard Lewis is the Grade 7/8 Homeroom teacher at the Choir School.
About Me
- Wanda Thorne
- St Michael's Choir School is celebrating it's 75th anniversary year of service to St Michael's Cathedral. Part of the school celebration is a trip to Italy where our boys from Grades 5 - 12 will be performing and celebrating Mass. This blog will be chronicling our adventures. Wanda Thorne is the Vocal Coach at St Michael's Choir School. Gerard Lewis is the Grade 7/8 Homeroom teacher at the Choir School.
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