Mac and Cheese Recipe: Stay Warm in the Winter

Hello again! Lot's of changes have been happening in my life in the last two months, and all of them got me thinking about comfort food.

Why is it that some foods make us instantly feel better and with some other foods, the simple thought makes us sick. Is it all memory?

For me, I know that a Reeses Pieces Sunday always makes everything better. It reminds me of a simpler time in my life when I was in high school. Same with black and white cookies—they remind me of my grandfather and going to his house on the weekends.

All these are good memories and good memories help me feel better. That all makes sense right? Then what about the foods that we all think  of as comfort foods that have no memory attached...homemade mac and cheese, a big juicy cheeseburger, a really really cheesy grilled cheese and tomato soup. None of these foods have any physiological attachment, but yet I crave them when I am upset or stressed.

What is it about comfort foods? Every country has different ones. I would love to hear what your favorite comfort food is but in the meantime here is a great recipe for mac and cheese that will warm up your soul as the weather continues to get cold.

And remember: Try something new everyday...it might just change your life.

Mac and Cheese

(to make this gluten free replace macaroni with gluten free pasta, all purpose flour with gluten free flour and check all the cheese to make sure there is not gluten fillers)

Ingredients:

1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

6 cups milk

½ cup butter

¼ cup and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

¼ cup butter

1 cup bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as directed on the package. Drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

3. Stir in enough flour to make a roux.

4. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly.

5. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick.

6. Put pasta in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.

7. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat.

8. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the pasta and cheese to cover.

9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.