Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: My Boys’ Favorite

This week, I wanted to share with you a recipe that also happens to be a favorite for all 3 of my boys
– my 2 sons and my Handsome Half.  My daughter and I like it as well – but the boys REALLY like it. I’ve found, in fact, that this particular recipe is a hit with most folks – even those who are accustomed to the “blue box” macaroni and cheese, which I don’t allow in my pantry.  It just has an unnatural orange color and too many chemicals for me to serve it in all good conscience.

CREAMY MACARONI ANDCHEESE

Serves 8 – 10

2 quarts of water

2 tbsp. oil

1 tbsp. salt

8 ounces elbow macaroni

¼ cup butter

1/3 cup flour

3 cups warm milk

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp pepper

8 ounces Cheese Whiz

½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly coat a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a large pan, bring water to a boil. Add oil and salt. Stir in macaroni and cook for 15 minutes.  Drain in colander and rinse with cool water.

While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until bubbly – do not allow to brown.  Whisk in milk that has been warmed in the microwave for 2 minutes and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Add salt, pepper and cheese spread.  Stir until cheese spread is melted.  Remove from heat.

Add macaroni to cheese sauce and stir gently.  Pour into casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.  Remove from oven and top with grated cheese.  Put back in oven and bake another 10 minutes.