This is going to be one of those fast postings as there really isn't much to say.
Basically, when it comes to macaroni and cheese, Roy and I like creamy and cheesy. Those packages varieties used powdered cheddar cheese, or "processed cheese", the most popular being Velveeta. Velveeta is classified as a "pasteurized processed cheese product" not real cheese, by the FDA, according to the FDA. While it contains ingredients like milk and cheese culture, it also includes other processed ingredients that don't meet the legal definition of "cheese". Velveeta must contain at least 51% real cheese, says the Code of Federal Regulations, but it's not the same as natural cheese,
Yes, I have tried both types of boxed products and the ones using powdered cheese always come out dry and pretty tasteless. The ones using the "fake cheese" are creamy, but the taste is, well, to us, kind of disgusting with a nasty aftertaste.
So, here is my quick to make stove top recipe that gives both the creamy and cheesy consistency that most folks enjoy.
Creamy, Cheesy Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
8 cups water
1 Tbsp. salt
2 cups small macaroni (elbows or shells)
1 stick (8 Tbsp.) salted butter
1 cup milk (I use 2%)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups medium sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp. ground black pepper
Preparation:
In a 2-quart pot, heat the water and salt on high heat. When boiling, add the pasta and stir for one minute, so the water will get back to high temperature, and the pasta will stay separated.
When fork tender, set aside 1/4 cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta and add back to the pot; keeping the stove top on high heat. Add the butter, milk and pasta water, stir, wait 5 minutes for temperature to return to high. Add the cheeses and black pepper, stir to combine well, and let cook for another five minutes.
Remove from heat, give one final stir and make sure to scrape up anything sticking to bottom of pot. Wait five minutes to let it all settle before serving.
Makes six servings.
Easy recipe and the only part you might find annoying is the waiting, as this is something you will want to eat immediately once the cooking process has started.
Enjoy!
Mary Cokenour
