Thursday, February 24, 2011

One Pot Mac and Cheese




I love my quiet days with my son. He's so easy going, pleasant and happy to go-with-the-flow. He doesn't ask for much, which is why when he does, I'm pretty happy to comply. However, things were getting a bit out of hand when he was asking for mac and cheese for the tenth day in a row. I don't mind pulling the box out every now and again, but I'm pretty sure that florescent orange powder wasn't meant for consumption on a daily basis.



That's why I was so excited when Lara from Recipe Shoebox (totally awesome blog, you're guaranteed to leave hungry), posted this more natural version of mac and cheese. Just like the title says, it only takes one pot, it's quick and the kids loved it. There's a lot you could do with this, I think next time I might throw in a can of diced tomatoes, or ground beef, it's very versatile. Thanks Lara for keeping our diets just a bit more natural!


One Pot Mac and Cheese
From Recipe Shoebox

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups milk
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 lb. macaroni noodles (or other small pasta)
3 cups grated cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan, mix water, milk, bouillon, and pasta. Bring to a boil and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until nearly all of the liquid is gone and the pasta is tender (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Enjoy!


My Sky-guy after layering four puzzles on top of each other. Yup, that's about as wild as it gets around here :)
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24 comments:

  1. Arlene DelloroFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    What an adorable little fellow. That easy mac n' cheese sounds like something my big guy would like.

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  2. UnknownFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    thanks for sharing, this must be so much better than the boxed stuff.

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  3. AnnFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Teresa, that looks delicious. Now I really want mac and cheese. What a little cutie your son is. I love easy going kids. You're right their wishes should be granted!

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  4. EricaFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Yum! That looks fabulous! I love one pot meals...talk about easy cleanup! I'd throw some peas in there too. Your little guy is adorable.

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  5. AlissaFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Aww Skyler is so cute! He's getting so big!!! Loving the more natural take on the fluorescent powder kraft likes to call cheese;) I was having the same thoughts as I made the fake stuff for Dyl yesterday haha! I feel like if I avert my eyes as I pour the powder, it makes me feel better lol! I can't wait to try your version! Mmmm!

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  6. The Blonde DuckFebruary 25, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    I. NEED. M&C.

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  7. DebbieFebruary 25, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    This sounds like a great recipe - simple and kid friendly!

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  8. VelvaFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    Mac and cheese is one of the most comforting and soul satisfying dishes. Definitely a kid favorite too.
    This looks good, creamy and a much more improved alternative to the box ( I ate tons of it, growing up.)

    Have a great weekend.

    Velva

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  9. LaraFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Thanks for the shout-out! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it! :O)

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  10. theUngourmetFebruary 25, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    My son would love this yummy mac and cheese too. One pot is always good!

    Your son is a cutie pie. Great photo!

    Have a fun weekend! ;)

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    My nieces and nephews won't actually touch my homemade mac n cheese because it isn't "orange" enough - sign!

    Thanks for your continued support Teresa - I appreciate it! Have a great weekend!

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  12. Brownieville GirlFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    This looks wonderful, although I have to admit that I get very excited on the (very) odd occasion I come upon one the the famous blue boxes!!!!!!!!

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  13. Sophia LeeFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    What?! This is just as easy as Krafts!!! And looks so much more natural too, i.e. no bright orange blobs!

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  14. ShelbyFebruary 26, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    I could try to pull this one over on Grumpy ;o) I know I would enjoy it!

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  15. pigpigscornerFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    I haven't had mac and cheese in ages! My hubs hates it that's why I never cook it at home =( Yours looks so good!

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  16. Heather S-GFebruary 26, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Oh! It looks creamy, delicious and perfect...and so simple! I know my kiddos would all gobble it up. =D

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  17. ChrisFebruary 26, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I need a quick and easy version like this! I'll try it tonight since Trevor has a friend over.

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  18. Mary BergfeldFebruary 26, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    I honestly view mac n' cheese as on of God's gifts to men. Yours looks especially good. I see an imp who I suspect sees to it that leftovers are not a problem for you. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  19. KimFebruary 26, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Teresa- I'm right there with you. I love the quiet days at home with my son during the week. Those little guys are such a pleasure. I remember Lara's post about this macaroni and cheese and have it on my to-do list. It looks delicious!

    Your little guy is a cutie:)

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  20. chow and chatterFebruary 26, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    looks great love homemade mac and cheese and he he J loves her puzzles too

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  21. ReeniFebruary 26, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    He's cute! And your mac and cheese looks so creamy and delicious! So much better than boxed.

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  22. BarbaraFebruary 27, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    No question, the simpler the better for kids, Teresa. I made a mac and cheese for my son and his family last night...kind of an adult kind with gruyere. WE loved it....my grandson did not. :)

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  23. JoanneFebruary 27, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Mmm my mom always used to make us stovetop mac and cheese and I loved how creamy it was. This sounds delicious! One of my favorite mac and cheese mix-ins is broccoli. Goes so well with the cheese!

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  24. jor johnsonMarch 7, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Brilliant idea! have to try this!

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Hey, thanks so much for stopping by. I'd love to hear what you think!