Macaroni and Cheese

My grandparents gave me Southern Living All-Time Favorites (compiled and edited by Susan Hernandez Ray, 2010) recipe book for my birthday last week.

This is the result of the recipe on page 86 of that cookbook.

It's so creamy and cheesy...they call it Creamy Macaroni and Cheese.

This is the recipe:

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

1 8oz package elbow macaroni

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp red pepper

1/8 tsp granulated garlic

1 cup half and half

1 cup milk

5 oz extra sharp shredded cheddar

10 oz sharp cheddar shredded and divided

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth, cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in salt and next 3 ingredients. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk, cook, whisking constantly 8-10 minutes or until thickened.

3. Stir in extra-sharp cheddar and half of sharp cheddar until smooth. Remove from heat.

4. Combine pasta and cheese mixture, and pour into 6 greased (6 oz) ramekins or 1 (8 inch square) baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

I didn't have any half-and-half so I just used 2 cups of milk instead of 1 cup of each. I also just had mild cheddar (which I tend to prefer anyway). Even with the substitutions it turned out great!

There are so many yummy recipes in this book. I'm hoping to try a new one every week.

Now go make some macaroni and cheese...you've got to try it!