Mac & Cheese Reinvented
September 19, 2011, By Amber Neely 0 comments
Kids love mac and cheese. And, truth be told, adults love it too. It’s a universal favorite with just about everyone, and with the right extras, it can actually be a full (and nutritious) meal. Here are a few that continue to be popular with my family, and I think your bunch will love them too.
Before we get into specific dishes, let's take a moment to make sure the "mac" part is perfect. Cook the macaroni to your desired tenderness—roughly nine to 12 minutes in well-seasoned (salted) water. Most people prefer pasta to be slightly al dente, or "to the tooth," meaning the macaroni isn't cooked completely through and still has a bit of a firm texture. So check it after nine minutes. However, if you've got any little tikes the under age three, you might want to cook your macaroni a little longer—they usually like it softer.
Kielbasa 'n Mac 'n Cheese
Sure, you may have eaten mac and cheese with hot dogs as a kid, but this dish is much better. If you've never had kielbasa or polish sausage, now is the time to give them a try.
While the macaroni is boiling, slice a ring of polish kielbasa into rounds (think "really thick" pepperoni) and cook in a frying pan until lightly browned on both sides. When your macaroni is done, add your cheese sauce of preference, and mix in the cooked kielbasa. It's an amazing twist on an old classic, and you might never want to go back. Add broccoli or peas for some veggies to make the dish healthier and more nutritious.
Taco Mac
Taco Mac is another great way to reinvent the classic "hamburger casserole." After you cook and strain your macaroni, set it aside. In a separate pan, brown a half pound per three people of lean ground beef with your favorite taco seasoning, breaking it into bite-sized bits as it cooks. When finished, add your macaroni and cheese sauce of choice. Feeling a little more daring? Try adding a cup or two of salsa.
NEXT: Pizza Mac
