GABBY COOKS – mac & cheese

Clean & serene living means learning healthy habits and good eating.  And I love recipes that are quick and simple.  Here’s one of my new favorites.

What’s more comforting than home-made macaroni and cheese?  And even better is this stove-top recipe which eliminates a baking dish and a 45 minute wait while it bakes in the oven.  This dish is table ready in 12 minutes.

These are the ingredients

1. (2) cups dry elbow macaroni
2. (4) quarts water salted like the sea and brought to a rapid boil
3. (4) tbsp. unsalted butter
4. (2) tbsp. flour
5. up to 3 cups milk
6. (2) cups sharp cheddar cheese shreds
7. salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot bring the 4 quarts salted water to a boil
2. Cook the macaroni as directed on the package
3. In a saucepan melt the butter over a low heat
4. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir for several minutes
5. When it turns golden, add about 1 cup milk and stir again
6. Stir until the sauce turns creamy and increase the heat to a medium low
7. Add more milk until it is creamy and smooth
8. Add the cheese and stir again until it is thoroughly blended
9. Salt and pepper as desired
10. When macaroni is done ladle it out into the cheese sauce with a slotted spoon
11. Blend until the pasta is evenly coated.
12. If the macaroni and cheese is too thick and gooey add a spoonful at a time of the pasta water until it is deliciously creamy and smooth