Rather than order pizza, a big batch of creamy mac & cheese is simple to stir together, and satisfies everyone’s need for cheesy comfort food. A big bagged salad is all we need to make it a meal. (And maybe a pint of good ice cream and a few spoons!) To ramp things up, try stirring a torn handful of spinach into the finished pasta, or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or sprinkle the top with a few crumbled slices of cooked bacon. Cubed leftover ham and frozen peas make it more substantial.
One Pot Mac & Cheese
1/2 lb dry macaroni
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups grated cheese – flavourful aged cheeses, such as cheddar and Gouda, are best
2 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper
In a large pot of salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and return to the pot, set over low heat. Add the milk, bring to a simmer, and stir in the cheese and butter. Stir until the cheese melts and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Serves 4.