for the love of all things American

Living overseas definitely makes you appreciate the things that you have back "home" and for that matter the things that you have in your current "home". It is always a laughing time when I go to pack up my suitcase when leaving the US and come back to the UK and it is full of groceries and basically no clothes. This past trip was very different since we are moving home in about 2 months. There is one thing that always makes my suitcase though and that is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

With only a few sparing boxes left here in the UK of Kraft Mac and Cheese, I was determined to try and make a Baked M&C for the first time and see if we could find something we like better. Move away Blue Box and make room for Rachael Ray's Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese! It has Cayenne Pepper and Nutmeg in it and it is very good. I think I am going to alter her recipe below just a bit by taking out a cup of cheddar or a 1/2 cup and adding in Parmesan cheese for a bit more of a tang.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk
3 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground or freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, a couple pinches
Salt
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked 8 minutes or to al dente, with a little bite to it

Preparation
Pre-heat broiler.Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter, about one turn of the pan. When the butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about three minutes.Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time.Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce.Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place baking dish under a hot broiler and brown the cheddar cheese on top.

Give it a try sometime as it is very simple to make and delicious. I am eating some leftovers from last night as I type this!