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Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese is a favorite comfort food throughout north America.  It's basically a casserole with layers of pasta and cheese, with a seasoned egg mixture to hold it all together.  There are quite a few variations that can be made on this recipe.  First, I will outline the basic instructions, and then I will suggest combinations of vegetables, cheeses, spices, and pastas that go well together.

Ingredients:

  • A large, rectangular cake pan, or two smaller ones.
  • A very sharp knife or quality metal cookie cutters.
  • 500 grams of macaroni
  • 250 grams of cheese
  • 3 large eggs (or 5 large eggwhites)
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • melted butter, lard, or palm kernel oil
  • Spices: a couple of dashes of seasoned salt, a dash of black pepper, and about a half teaspoon onion powder or garlic crystals.
  • Salt to taste (but most people don't need it if they salt the water of the pasta and use a savory cheese)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees celsius.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for baked pasta dishes.  This means that it should be cooked somewhat al dente (which means with some texture for the teeth) and then rinsed in cold water and drained.
  3. Shred your cheese or slice it somewhat thick, and break it up into smaller squares.
  4. In a bowl, beat the egg, milk, and spices until thoroughly blended.
  5. Grease, oil, or butter the bottom of your cake pan(s) generously.
  6. Spread a layer of pasta on the bottom of the pan.
  7. Put a layer of cheese over the pasta.
  8. Repeat the layering so that you end up with enough cheese to cover the top.
  9. Sprinkle and pour the egg and milk mixture all over the top layer of cheese.  It should run down to the bottom.
  10. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, checking to see if the cheese is turning golden brown.
  11. When it is done, remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack.
  12. When it is cool enough to touch, run a butter knife around the edges to dislodge any sticking edges from the pan.
  13. Turn the casserole over onto a large platter or a clean counter.
  14. Cut into squares, or use a cookie cutter to cut it into shapes.
Variations and Suggestions:

Serving Suggestions:

Cheese Combinations

More than one kind of cheese can be used.  Cheddar and Mozzarella make a good combination.
If using Mozarella and Ricotta, sprinkle some Parmesan on the top, oil your pan with extra virgin olive oil, and add garlic to your egg and milk mixture.
Meat or Fish, Cheese, and Vegetable Combinations
Layer cooked ham and finely chopped onions over each pasta or noodle layer.
Tuna, onions, and mozzarella go well together.
Nile Princess, Hake, or other white fish, green onions, and Dutch cheese...
Beef, cheddar, chopped onions, and mushrooms, with a teaspoon of Worstershire sauce added to the egg and milk mixture...
Chicken, mozarella, and onions, with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar added to the egg and milk mixture...
Cut up hot dogs and cheddar are great for kids.
Be creative with it!

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