Recipe Time! Mac and Cheese

Disclaimer: I don't typically measure, so these are all rough estimates. Everything can be tweaked to your liking.

Baked Mac and Cheese

o        -1 box shell pasta 

o        -2 ½ cups milk

o        -2 tablespoons flour

o        -2 packages shredded cheddar cheese

o        -3 tablespoons butter

o         -Basil pesto sauce

o         -Pepper

o        -Garlic powder

o        -Paprika

Boil water, cook pasta in a large pot. When tender, strain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400°

In the same pot, melt the butter on medium heat and whisk in flour.

Slowly add milk, stirring consistently.

Add all cheese except a large handful. Set this aside.

Season with herbs and spices. I usually use a dash of each. 

Dump the pasta into the pot of cheese rue, stir, and turn off heat.

Grease a casserole dish with the basil pesto.

Pour contents of pot into dish and sprinkle top with the left over cheese.

Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes.

*Variations*

-Mix it up with different cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar, gouda, and spicy pepperjack.

-Pesto is optional to grease the pan, I just like the flavor. Butter or shortening do the trick.

-Instead of the seasonings listed, substitute French Onion soup mix.

-Add cut up bits of chicken breast, broccoli or tomatoes at the same time you add the pasta.

I serve this with collard greens and baked beans. Barbeque or blackened chicken is also excellent. Oh and potato salad. And coleslaw. Might as well have a picnic feast! Enjoy!