Vibrant Village ™

Here's a recipe I came up with after learning about chocolate ganache. Thought I'd try for "cheese ganache" and it worked. Plus, you buy only three items and use them all up. My young nephews were all picky eaters and they loved it. It's a simple recipe once you've made it, a relief from complex holiday recipes, true comfort food, and almost qualifies as a 30-minute meal.

Three-Ingredient Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• (1) 8-oz box elbow macaroni
• (1) Pint half & half or milk
• (1) 10-oz package Kraft Sharp Cheddar cheese

Equipment:

• Food processor or blender
• Saucepan and pot
• 9” square baking dish
• Mixing bowl

Method:

• Preheat oven to 350° (F)
• Grease baking dish
• Cook macaroni per box directions; drain and put in bowl
• Cut cheese into ½ “ cubes and place in processor or blender
• Bring milk product to a boil, stirring to prevent scorching
• Pour hot milk product over cheese cubes and wait 3 minutes

!!! IF YOU USE A BLENDER BE SURE TO PLACE A TOWEL OVER THE LID AND HOLD DOWN TIGHTLY BEFORE CONTINUING. THE EXPANDING HOT AIR FROM PROCESSING CAN BLOW THE LID OFF AND HOT CONTENTS CAN CAUSE BURNS!!!

• Process or blend the cheese and milk to a smooth sauce and
  stir it into the cooked macaroni
• Taste for seasonings (S&P, dash Worcester, dash Texas Pete)
• Pour mixture into prepared dish and bake about 25 minutes

Variations: top with buttered crumbs before baking; experiment with different cheeses; use low-fat milk or high-fat cream; whole-wheat pasta; add cubed ham before baking; try different pasta shapes; add some sour cream, smoked salmon and dill; after baking, cut into servings and freeze; get creative.