Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Made from Scratch)

Scratch Mac n' Cheese

I came home from a long day of work and decided to try a new recipe. John and I weren't prepared with a menu plan so like many of us I looked through the pantry hoping something would miraculously jump out at me and scream "Cook me for dinner, I'm easy and a no brainer". Well as I stood searching for an easy out, the Pasta popped out at me. I knew I couldn't stand another evening of Spaghetti and Red Sauce or Pasta with Butter. I needed something new, fresh and "out of the box" yet still acceptable by my kids’ standards. Next I went to fridge and explored more options. Then it occurred to me "how about, homemade Mac n' Cheese"! I had a few assorted cheeses (Sharp Cheddar, Asiago blend and Parmesan) I also had left over cream from the home made rosemary infused, strawberry jam topped Scones I had made the week before (I'll upload this recipe later, it's one for the books). Here is the simple recipe I came up with for homemade Mac n' Cheese. It so easy and delicious I promise your whole family will love it and be requesting it again and again.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup asiago (or anything you have at your disposal)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 1/2 lbs pasta (small to medium size/shape)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
Pepper (to taste) 1/2 tsp (recommended)

Directions:

Start boiling water for your pasta (boil time approx 8-10 minutes)

Preparing Pasta:

Once the water has come to a boil add pasta and cook until tender (avoid over cooking) Drain pasta into a strainer once pasta is tender to taste.

Preparing Cheese Sauce:

In a medium sauce pan add cream and warm over medium heat (avoid burning) Once cream comes to a slight bubble, lower heat and add your cheese slowly. Whisk the cheese blend until it's completely melted into the cream sauce (I prefer using a whisk). Keep the heat at low to avoid scorching, continue whisking until the cheese has completely blended and pasta is cooked and ready to combine with sauce.

Blending all ingredients:

Blend Pasta slowly into the cheese sauce; which should be cooking on low. Once all the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce pour into a greased pan (13x9 preferred). Add pepper to taste (optional) and baked at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a lightly crisp topping forms from the cheese. 5 minutes before taking out of the oven (add 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional for extra crunch and flavor).

Serve in individual bowls. Make a quick salad for a side dish and you are ready to enjoy a yummy homemade meal that the everyone will enjoy (No complaints, I promise)!

Prep/Cook Time: approx 30 minutes (Photo to follow)