Macaroni and Cheese is one of those quintessential comfort foods that transcends generations. It’s made umpteen ways and it varies upon the region of the country you live in. Some prefer the custard creamy mac ‘n cheese with the crunchy topping while others prefer the uber cheesy stove top method. I prefer the ‘get in my mouth now’ method. LOL I love macaroni and cheese like it’s my job! I can’t tell you how many nights on end during college that this was my dinner. Plain ol’ mac ‘n cheese. However one thing I’m not a fan of is the boxed stuff. Sorry but that glow-in-the-dark orange powder stuff kind of freaks me out. But apparently enough people love it as it’s truly successful and well, iconic.
Now there is a huge debate on what is truly considered mac ‘n cheese and it comes down to the noodle. If you use anything other than elbow noodles then it’s not mac ‘n cheese. It’s noodles and cheese; pasta and cheese. Don’t get me wrong, I love it just as much. Truth be told, cavatappi is my all time favorite noodle to use when I make mac and cheese but in this recipe and how it’s made good old fashioned elbow macaroni noodles are what’s best used.
Just look at that ooey gooey cheesy cup of love! And all that is enough for 1 person and it’s made in the microwave. Pretty cool huh?
Now sure you can make this in a pot and pan but then you have to dirty a few dishes and well I didn’t feel like doing that. I wanted it fast and I didn’t want to do more than 2 dishes. Cup and fork – 2 dishes… easy peasy! Now you can mix and match your choice of cheeses but go for the cheeses that are more soft and that melt really well – gouda, mozzarella, fontina, gruyere, cheddar – heck you can even use Velvetta if you want. I won’t tell *wink*.
This is one of those dishes that I used to make when we’d get home really late from a night out on the town. I didn’t want a full blown meal or anything elaborate. This is something that satisfies those midnight hunger twinges and is just enough that you’re not stuffed BUT that you’re full. Trust me, nothing is worse than going to bed overly stuffed. You’re uncomfortable and you rarely sleep well.
So the other night, I’d say around 10 or so I was hungry. And since I had been sick and had some recent surgery again I hadn’t had much of an appetite. I didn’t want anything hard to chew or hard on my stomach. This was exactly what the doctor ordered. LOL It only took about 7 minutes to make and it allowed me to just sit there, hold my mug and just relax. This is one of those meals that every person should have in their recipe collection. This is PERFECT for college kids when you missed hitting up the cafeteria but you’re starving. You can make this in your room/dorm kitchen. Parents will be happy that their kids are eating real food and not just junk food. This is one of those meals that you could buy a pound of noodles, a stick of butter, some milk and cheese for what – under $5 and you’d have enough to eat for a week easily.
Now let’s talk about you single people, yeah you with the boxes of take out in your fridge, empty pizza boxes and a box of sugar cereal. Really? No, that’s unacceptable. There’s no reason why you can’t make this awesome meal. It’s comforting, delicious and so easy! Knowing that you are able to control the food you put in to your body – no chemicals, no glow in the dark crap, no preservatives. Just pure yum! You could make this, have a side salad and dare I say – grill up a piece of chicken! *GASP!* OMG you just made a real meal! LOL
Just look at those strands of cheese! I mean seriously, don’t you just want to dive into that face first (please use a fork though)? Now let’s talk to one more group out there .. you office workers. I’m sure you have your coffee or tea mug in your desk. If you pack your lunch, just pack enough liquid/cheese to make this in your office. Forget the vending machine foods or the mystery meat your cafeteria may be serving. Have REAL food! No.. have REAL DELICIOUS food!
Creamy Mac ‘n Cheese For One
Find more fantabulous recipes, tips and tricks at www.thekitchenwhisperer.net. Also, join our TKW Family on Facebook
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup elbow noodles
- 2–3 tablespoon evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/4 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone
- 1/8 cup shredded Parmesan
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large 16 ounce microwave safe mug, add in the water and noodles.
- Place the mug on a dish to catch any water that may bubble over.
- Microwave on high for ~5 minutes.
- Give it a quick stir and then microwave for ~2 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. Make sure there is water in your cup (about 2 tablespoon left).
- Leaving the water in the cup add in the butter and stir just until melted.
- Add in the milk and seasonings, stirring to combine.
- Add in the cheeses and stir, stir, stir until creamy and melted. You may need to microwave for another 30 seconds for the cheddar to melt completely.
Leave a Reply