Since I was a kid, I have always loved macaroni and cheese.  And now my kids love it as well.  They can occasionally be satisfied with macaroni and cheese from the box, but not me, homemade mac and cheese is the way to go. In our house my kids think this is a very special treat.  I always tell them it is a secret recipe, but really it is a simple recipe that will make your mouth water.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese:

Ingredients:

1 14-16 Ounce Box of Penne Pasta (Cooked and Drained)

16 Ounces Velveeta(Cubed)

1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese(Shredded)

1 Cup Mozzarella(Shredded)

1/4 Cup Butter

16 Ounces Half and Half

First, preheat your oven to 225.  Next, melt your butter in  a medium saucepan.  Once your butter is melted, slowly add the cubed Velveeta and the half and half, while stirring constantly.  Continue cooking over medium low heat until the Velveeta is thoroughly melted.

Remove from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are well blended.

Next, pour the cheese sauce over the pasta in an oven safe baking dish.   Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble on the sides of the baking dish.  Remove the dish from the oven and stir.  Next, spread the shredded mozzarella over the mac and cheese and put under the broiler until  the mozzarella browns and starts to bubble.

This is definitely not a recipe that would fall in the health food category but once in awhile, it is worth it.  My kids get it on special occasions and they love it.  We have also come up with a few variations.  Sometimes they ask me to incorporate other ingredients. So far we have used bacon, broccoli, tomatoes, and mushrooms.  I just add the extra ingredients right before I put the mac and cheese in the oven.  This recipe makes 6 servings.