Megan M's Famous Baked Mac N Cheese

I am very grateful to the women I chat with on a local NJ board. They are wise, caring, funny and tremendous cooks. This recipe has been floating around the board and cooking group for quite sometimeand never fails to make fans. A special thanks to Megan M. and her grandmother, who created this awesome recipe.




Megan M.'s Famous Baked Mac N Cheese

Serves 4

2 TBSP corn starch
1 TBSP salt
1/4 TSP pepper
2 1/2 cups of milk
2 TBSP Butter
3 cups of shredded cheddar
8 0z Elbow Macaroni, al dente
Plain Bread Crumbs

In a medium sauce pan, combine first three ingredients - stir in milk. Add butter and stir over medium-high heat until sauce thickens. Don't stop stirring or it will scorch. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups of cheese until melted. Add macaroni and pour into a 2 qt. casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bread crumbs.
Bake uncovered at 375 for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

The verdict - A crowd pleaser, even though I had a mishap with the cheese. I had issues with the shredded cheddar and had to make due with American cheese singles. According to the tasters - it was still 'slammin'. Here are my changes, in the event you are in a pinch and only have American cheese slices on hand.

Substitute 7-8 slices of American cheese for the shredded cheddar. I ripped the cheese to pieces and slowly added to the sauce, stirring continuously. The American cheese was definitely lighter in appearance (when baked) than the cheddar normally is.