Tonight we were fortunate enough to have our oldest son Mitch, and his friend and business partner David, over for dinner while Britney and Layton are in Italy. We had alot of fun just talking and laughing and enjoying a good dinner....however...I knew that David is somewhat of a "picky eater" and my boys certainly are NOT!!!! So....the meal consisted of Herb Swiss Chicken Casserole with yellow rice and 7 layer salad....both of my son's favorites!! But...because I was worried that David wouldn't care for the salad I racked my brain all day trying to come up with SOMETHING that anyone would love and something that would fill up a hungry man....( and something that I already had on hand!!! ) with a few adjustments to the recipe I found I decided to make this Homemade Mac and Cheese and it was a huge hit!!!! in fact....i'm trying to decide how NOT to eat the leftovers!!!!! oh....and Sister Schubert Blueberry Rolls with extra icing that my mother taught me to add....then you don't need a desert!!!!
Here is the recipe for my version of 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese!
1 lb. pasta ( elbow macaroni or penne pasta which is what I used...because I had it!!!)
boil pasta according to package directions.....add to sauce....time it to where pasta is done pretty much when sauce is done so that the pasta doesn't get "gummy" before you can mix it together!
Cheese Sauce
6 T butter ( I used light)
4 T flour
2 C milk ( I used 1 % )
3 C grated sharp cheddar cheese ( I used 2 % )
1/2 C finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 C cottage cheese
1 t salt
1/2 t dry mustard
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t white pepper
melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat....when melted, whisk in flour...gradually add milk, stir till thickened...about 10 minutes. Remove from heat add cheeses and spices....stir or wisk until blended. Add cooked pasta....stir till evenly coated and place in 2 quart, greased casserole dish. Top with 1/2 C Panko crumbs...bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
