iHeart Oswego Cook for Lent: Macaroni and Cheese

Now I know what you are thinking: mac and cheese, we always have mac and cheese.

There are lots of variations of mac and cheese that change up the flavor making mac and cheese feel like a whole new meal. Let’s get to it.

The basic mac and cheese recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

• ½ pound of elbows
• 4 Tbs butter
• 2 Tbs flour
• 1 ½  bricks of mild cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 3 cups milk ( I prefer whole. It will make it creamier.)
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

1. First you will want to boil the elbows in water and salt until al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven later and help to thicken the sauce. Drain but do not rinse.
2. Melt butter in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add flour and mix until you get a smooth puree.
4. Pour your milk in slowly until it is mixed thoroughly with the puree. Let it get warm.
5. Add cheese and stir constantly until cheese is melted. I don’t let it boil, but it does get quite hot.
6. Put macaroni in an oven-safe greased bowl. Pour cheese sauce over top and stir.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to give it a crust. If you do not want a crust, cover with foil.
8. Place in oven at 350 for 30-40 minutes until it bubbles around edges.

That is it - a basic recipe. Some people like to add broccoli. If you break it up into small enough pieces you can add it directly to the macaroni and cheese raw and it will cook in the oven.

Want it a little spicier? You can add jalapeños to the mix. I would add these to the sauce while it cooks and then mix it in to elbows. You could also add some salsa to the sauce. Wow, what a delight that is!

You can change the cheese out or do a ½ and ½ mix, like maybe shredded taco mix for a part of the cheese. I like putting some cream cheese in it also. Different cheeses give the dish a very different flavor.

You can fry a few of your favorite vegetables to add to it like red peppers, onions, or chopped spinach. Just about any vegetable would be great in mac and cheese.

And spices—add what you like. Oregano, garlic, parsley, or basil are a few that would change your mac and cheese into a family favorite.

The point is to play with it to your taste. Adding mac and cheese to your Lent dinners is a great way to get the nutrition your body needs but following the Catholic Protocol for Friday Night Lent.

As you take the steps of sacrifice this season, remember that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for you because He loves you. Call upon Him and be reminded of that love and of His presence.