Down Home Mac and Cheese

Hello folks, welcome back to the All Things Southern kitchen.  I’ve heard a rumor that some of you have never had macaroni and cheese that didn’t come from a little blue box. But, that’s okay. Don’t be embarrassed, I’m here to teach everyone how to make the real stuff.

“Down Home Mac and Cheese”

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 cup light cream
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika

We’re going to boil and drain a cup and a half of elbow macaroni according to the directions on the package. We’ll melt three tablespoons of butter over low heat, and then we’ll gradually stir in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, a half cup of milk and a cup of light cream.

Now, we’ll crank the heat up to medium and continue stirring for about two minutes until the mixture boils and thickens. Then we’ll remove it from the heat and add 2 cups of sharp cheese along with our seasonings, a fourth a teaspoon of paprika and salt and pepper to taste. When the cheese is completely melted, we’ll gently fold in our macaroni until it’s well coated. Then we’ll pour it in a buttered casserole dish and bake it at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Top with the remainder of the grated cheese and serve to your happy family. In Duck Dynasty terminology, that would be a happy, happy, happy family! Consider yourself forewarned, y’all. Your group will turn their noses up at the blue box after this, so don’t start something you don’t mean to continue. Enjoy my Down Home Mac and Cheese, folks. It’s good eating from the All Things Southern kitchen to yours!