by Elizabeth French

Created on: November 15, 2009

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A favorite comfort-food of young and old alike, macaroni and cheese can be varied to satisfy just about any pallet. Cooked macaroni with melted cheese has been served from Italian kitchens for more than 500 years. It became popular in many European counties in the eighteenth century and by the 1802 President Thomas Jefferson served this versatile dish in the White House.

From simple to extravagant, as a side dish, the main course or a one dish meal the following recipe and it'svariations with help your baked macaroni and cheese become a favorite with the entire family.

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni

Dry Ingredients:

2 tbs corn starch

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry mustard

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Other Ingredients:

8oz shredded cheese (Colby, Cheddar, Jalapeno Jack, Velveeta (diced you can't shred Velveeta) you choose)

2 cups milk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Spray a baking dish with non stick spray. Or lightly coat baking dish with olive or vegetable oil. The size of the dish depends on if you are adding any of the variations below. If not an 8" x 13" rectangle does nicely, if you are adding other ingredients a larger baking dish may be necessary.

Cook macaroni in a large sauce pan by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil, add macaroni and stir, reduce heat and cook at a low boil for 6 minutes. Drain and place in the prepared baking dish.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F)

Place dry ingredients in a medium size sauce pan and mix well. Add cold milk and stir until smooth. Place on medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in the yogurt and all but a 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.

Pour mixture over cooked macaroni and stir until mixed well. Add variations at this time or leave it as it is. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese mixed with the Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.

Variations:

Add 1 cup of your favorite raw or cooked veggie: broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, green beans, chopped onions, chopped zucchini or yellow squash, sun dried or oven roasted tomatoes. Mix or choose.

Add 1 cup of your favorite cooked meat: (the meat needs to be cooked and drained if necessary, to avoid extra grease) Chopped ham, fried bologna, pepperoni or salami, browned ground beef, chopped roast beef, browned ground sausage, sliced or chopped fried or roasted Italian or Polish sausage, chopped boiled hot dogs. You choose.

Or

Add your favorite fish: 1 can tuna (drained) with 1 can sweet peas (drained), 1 cup baked salmon with capers, 1 cup baked tilapia with 1 cup roasted or sun dried tomatoes.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless, find the perfect combinations for your tastes or mix different combinations and bake in individual size baking dishes to satisfy any appetite.

Enjoy!

(Cooking time may vary according to your oven)

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