Cozy Mac and Cheese

Today, it was incredibly windy and very cold outside. It's also the holiday season, and I find that people are either exhuberant or incredibly sad. Nothing cures either of these extremes like comfort food on a cold, cold day. So... after hiking on the beach with the dog, and realizing what a terrible idea that was, I settled into the kitchen making homemade mac and cheese. Everyone seemed to be a little down today, and food is a great way to cope, isn't it? Invite a discouraged friend, an old friend, or anyone wishing to come in out of the cold to share this comfort meal with you.

Mac n' Cheese

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

1 lb. elbow macaroni

1/2 cup evaporated milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup of sour cream

1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Crackers (I tend to use Ritz because they're buttery)

Breadcrumbs

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook the macaroni, drain it, and rinse it with cold water. 
3. Cover the bottom of whatever dish you will be using with macaroni and sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese over it. Then repeat with another layer of macaroni and cheese
4. In a bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sour cream, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour mixture over the macaroni and cheddar.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and some cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni.
6. Take a handful of breadcrumbs and sprinkle them all over the top of the mixture, followed by crushed crackers (I tend to use Ritz crackers because they are buttery).
7. Bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. For me, it is usually closer to 30 minutes, because you want the liquid to be firm enough that it could stand on it's own.

 Some helpful suggestions:

• You can use whatever you cheese you would like! Cheddar, mozarella, velveeta, parmesan, etc. Just be sure that it is a good melting cheese
• Feel free to use more of any ingredient you like. It is not going to ruin the macaroni and cheese. If you are using more liquid, you might just cook it a few minutes longer. If more cheese, cook it a little less.
• The breadcrumbs and crackers are optional, it would still be food without it, but it provides a buttery crunch on top.
• Be creative! Add little bacon crumbles, ham chunks, or lobster bits to give it a little variety.

 
I hope you have enjoyed this recipe! If you have any variations you wish to share, please comment! 

~Linbrooke