My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

When I was growing up, my siblings and I always ate whatever my parents ate for dinner... We never really had "kid food" and "adult food". I really appreciate this now that I am an adult because I think that's where my love for food came from... I learned really early on how much of an adventure food can be!

I think there are lots of fun (and easy) ways to make "adult food" fun and approachable enough for kids and ways to make "kid food" grown up enough for adults to enjoy and hopefully I will be able to do this with my own kiddos someday! Call me cheesy, but I feel like food has so much potential to bring families closer together when the whole family is gathered at the same dinner table, sharing the same meal.

To me, this macaroni and cheese recipe (taken from a really old Southern Living cookbook) is one of those recipes that the whole family can enjoy... and fight over the last serving! (You did that at your house too, right? ;))

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 pkg. dried elbow macaroni

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 t. salt

2 cups shredded American cheese

Smoked Paprika

Directions:

Cook and drain macaroni, melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in salt and cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Stir macaroni into cheese sauce, and pour into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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Now you know what I think, but what's your opinion on "kid food" vs. "adult food"?

Have a GREAT weekend!! :)