2012 Will Be Fabulous…. With this in your belly!

I am a girl who enjoys staying busy. Good thing, because the last few weeks have been INSANE. We’ve hosted dinner parties for at least four different couples (When you have kids and your adult-friends don’t, you have them over for dinner so you can see them every now and then.) I’ve made Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Brunch, and we threw a wine party/birthday celebration for my mom and forty of her closest friends. Needless to say, although I like commotion around me, I need a wee break.

And then it happened… New Year’s Day. I booked my afternoon full of tasks to complete without realizing every store (and sadly, nail salon) was closed. Everyone else in the world is opting to relax. So you know what I did? Took a nap, on the couch, with my husband. And, it was amazing! Rejuvenated and hungry, I wandered into the kitchen to find something to make the fam for dinner.

What we ended up with was nothing short of fabulous. Simple to make, and best enjoyed while in PJ’s and in front of the TV, this Macaroni and Cheese needs to make an appearance in your home. Whether you had a busy day or just woke up from an afternoon nap, your efforts (or lack thereof) will be applauded by everyone in your family.

Inspired by a recipe from Mama Dip’s in Chapel Hill, I present to you my favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

The Best Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 cup dry, non-fat milk*
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cups vegetable (or chicken) broth
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces sharp shredded cheese (divided)
1/2 stick butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
16 ounces macaroni (or Pipette by Barilla, my fave)
12 Ritz crackers, crumbled
1 tsp. smoked (definitely get the smoked) paprika

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente and drain. Meanwhile, combine dry milk, flour salt, pepper, broth and Worcestershire sauce with whisk. Stir in 8 ounces of cheese, butter and eggs.

Add noodles in greased 9×13 casserole. Combine crackers, paprika and 4 ounces of cheese in small bowl, then top noodle mixture. Add additional pats of butter, if desired. And who wouldn’t desire that? Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on edges. Serves 8.

*Non-fat dry milk can be found in the condensed milk section of the baking aisle.

Delish!