Hipp's Help

Macaroni and cheese is a great pasta to use as a side item for any meal. If you are unhappy with store bought or box made macaroni and cheese, this recipe will yield enough Mac and cheese to feed 4 people a regular ½ cup side serving.

You will need:

• 2 cups of macaroni noodles
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 cups of shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
• Baking dish with lid
• Pot
• Wooden spoon

Step 1: Place the 2 cups of macaroni noodles into the pot and cover with water. Place on the stove on high heat and allow the noodles to come to a boil. Stir in a pat of butter to keep the noodles from sticking together, and stir the entire time the noodles are boiling so they do not stick to the bottom of the pot. To come to a boil, it should take the water no longer than 10 minutes.

Step 2: Drain the water from the noodles after boiling is complete. Place the noodles into the baking dish, covering the bottom completely. Cut the two tablespoons of butter into small pieces and distribute them all around the macaroni noodles in the baking dish.

Step 3: Distribute the shredded cheese over all of the macaroni noodles. Be sure to only place the cheese on the noodles and not the baking dish, as this will cause the cheese to burn. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the baking dish with the lid on, into the oven. Allow the macaroni and cheese to cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven, and then the lid off the dish when done. Stir the noodles together with the wooden spoon so that all macaroni pieces are covered in cheese. If serving at a later time, take a few pats of butter and place along the edges of the baking pan so the cheese does not stick. This dish will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days covered, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks when properly sealed. To reheat from room temperature, use a microwave or set the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the dish to sit in the oven for 15 minutes. If frozen, allow an additional 15 minutes of baking or 5 minutes microwave time.