What's for Dinner?: Mac and Cheese

Hello, my name is Mary Khederian and this if my very first blog on "What's for Dinner?" I was prompted by good friends to blog on What's for dinner, because they always want to know what I'm cooking and what dinner is. I love to share my recipes and I hope you like them too. 

I usually cook 5 big meals a week (Sun-Thurs) with time off for Fri/Sat.  I try to do big meals but sometimes with my schedule its something quick and easy. I like to utilize a crockpot when I can.  Love to grill as well in the summer too.  Love meat marinades and love vegetables in the summer when picked at their peak and grilled.  Roasting also makes things taste better as well. 

My recipes for dinners are from my mom, family and friends over the years.  I like comfort food and that is what's for dinner tonight.  I'm a big Bruins fan and with the Bruins playing game #6 at home, win or lose tonight (let's hope they win)  nothing says comfort more than Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Starting off easy, but friends of mine have already made this and really enjoy it. I hope you do too.

Macaroni & Cheese

Spray with cooking spray a 2 quart casserole dish and preheat the oven at 350 degree's.

Bring to a boil 4 quarts of water, salt the water (I use kosher salt-but any salt will do) and place 1lb box of Medium Shells. Cook for about 7 mins, drain and set aside. You can undercook the pasta if you want to, as it will continue to cook once the cheese sauce is incorporated.

Cheese Sauce:

4Tbsp Butter,

4Tbsp Flour,

Black pepper,

Cayenne pepper,

3 1/2 cups Milk that has been heated up,

1 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar,

1/2 cup Gruyere Cheese,

1/2 Cup Asiago Cheese,

Breadcrumbs or Panko crumbs seasoned.

In a large saucepan melt butter and flour with a whisk for 2 mins, then add black pepper and cayenne pepper.  (You can omit cayenne if you don't want it spicy).  Add the milk till it thickens about 3 mins or so, bring to a boil while whisking, then turn off the pan. If you don't turn off the pan, the cheeses will burn when you add the cheeses.   Reserve about 1/2 cup of cheese mixture and set aside.  Add the remaining cheese til melted and combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta shells.  Pour into the prepared casserole dish and top with the reserved cheese.  I usually add Italian seasoned bread crumbs to the remaining cheese and sprinkle on top of casserole. If you decide to use panko to the cheese mix add a little olive oil then sprinkle that on top of the casserole. Either topping turns out good.  Bake for 45 mins til golden and bubbly. 

I usually serve Mac and Cheese with a tossed salad and corn on the cob and green beans.   Its comfort food at its best and I hope you like it.  Go Bruins!