How to Make Southern Style Macaroni & Cheese

It is Fall and the casserole dishes are flying out of the cupboard begging to be filled with comfort food. The economy is also in the dumpster so we all need to revive some of those old recipes that Mom and Grandma used to feed the family. I'll admit this is a reworked recipe that I stole from an Southern Grandma who fed sixteen "babies" through their college years. I know it's high in fat and calorie but it also tastes great. I believe in moderation this filling meal will give anyone comfort and keep them going for one more day. When the times get tough the tough Mom's get cooking. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves, take off your rings, wash your hands and get cooking.

Southern Style Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (elbows, shells, twists, you choose) cooked to pkg directions

1 pound Velveeta type cheese ( I use generic) cut in 1" cubes

2 jars pimentos drained and squeezed dry

½ stick butter (margarine or lard work but butter is better)

¼ cup all purpose flour

1 Tablespoon olive oil (EVOO is OK)

1 softball size onion fine diced

1+ Tablespoon chopped garlic (more if you choose)

1 cup fine diced celery

2 cups Half & Half (milk will work but not as rich tasting)

1 cup crushed potato chips (Frito's are good too)

Directions:

In a heavy bottom pan melt butter add olive oil and saute onions, celery, and garlic, stir in flour till it slightly darkens. Add Half & Half stir till begins to boil. Add Velveeta and pimentos and continue to stir till cheese is melted. Stir in pasta till fully coated top with crushed potato chips and slide under broiler till crust develops. Serve with a smile...

Notes:

The Grandkids like this served with Hot Dogs cut into pennies. Goliath loves this with a thick steak. I prefer to serve it with a green vegetable. Followed by something sweet. Don't forget the thick slab of crusty bread for wiping the extra cheese from the plate.

OK the recipe is now yours. Make it soon you deserve a good meal today. A friend has told me this dish is a great gift for a couple just bringing home a new baby, a new neighbor just moving in, or even for a funeral wake. An old Wisconsin Dairyman once told me "Cheese is a unique expression of Love." Mizpah ;-}}>