Favorite Things: Comfort Food ~ Home made Mac and Cheese Casserole

Grilling season is upon us, soon we won't want the extra heat that an oven meal creates. Now is a good time for one last fling with the King of all Comfort Foods: Macaroni and Cheese Casserole.

But, wait, you are probably saying. We can still have mac and cheese from a box and just mix it up on the stove top, can't we,  because, really, who does not like Mac and Cheese?

How could it ever go wrong? Well, did you know that there is a huge controversy over Kraft adding artificial colors to it's mac and cheese products that are banned in other countries? For those consumers, Kraft used the spice turmeric to boost the color, yet continues to use petroleum based dyes for the American consumers.  The ill affects of these dyes on children's health was addressed in a Dr. Oz episode.

Never underestimate the power of moms! It is mom bloggers (included in the Dr. Oz link) who have started a campaign to educate the public and to hold Kraft accountable.

My question is;  if food is real, why do you need to add fake stuff to make it look more appetizing?

 

Noel to the Rescue!

Today Noel shares a favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese casserole from her grandmother. To me, recipes that are handed down through the generations become living history, keeping tastes and traditions upfront and personal. And...most importantly, it is real food made with real ingredients.

Ok, enough about that...by making Noel's homemade mac and cheese, we know what we are eating!

Marcheta *stepping off her soapbox now....

P.S. if you don't like smokie links, or want a vegetarian meal, simply omit the sausages.


"Like most of Grandma's recipes, this one is easy and doesn't require much effort! I have to say, it's a crowd pleaser just the same." Noel Lizotte

 

 

Macaroni Casserole

Cook: ½ lb macaroni
Add:
¼ cup parsley
½ lb sharp cheese cut into cubes
1 package smokie links cut into ½ inch cubes
white cream sauce





Pour into casserole dish
Sprinkle top with buttered bread crumbs
 Bake at 400 F 20 – 30 min or until heated through.

White Cream Sauce

4 TB butter
4 TB all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 cup milk



Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour, salt, add dash white pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook quickly, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles.




Approximate Nutrition Info: Servings Per Recipe: 10, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340, Total Fat: 22g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 640mg, Total Carbs: 21g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 4g, Protein: 14g.






To download a PDF formatted copy of this recipe to your computer, or for printing, click here.