by Pamela Kay

Created on: September 13, 2008

Baked macaroni and cheese, hot and bubbly from the oven, is the ultimate comfort food. Each bite is an explosion of cheesy delight that warms your body and sooths your soul. My favorite macaroni and cheese recipe is the one I've enjoyed since childhood, baked by my Mother.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 16 oz package elbow macaroni
4 cups milk
4 eggs, well beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup course bread crumbs

*Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter an 8-inch casserole dish.

*In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour over medium heat. Slowly add milk as you stir and continue to cook until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool as you cook the pasta according to package directions.

*As the pasta drains, add beaten eggs, salt, pepper and ricotta cheese to sauce and blend well. Stir in cheddar cheese.

*Pour mixture into the casserole dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.

*Bake for about 20 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Try this recipe one time and see if you don't agree with me. After that first bite, it may just end up being your favorite too.

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