MeMa's Mac N Cheese

Rule #4:

Every Southern Housewife needs to know how to make macaroni and cheese.
After all, what husband doesn't like mac n cheese? For that matter, what Southern Housewife doesn't like mac n cheese?

It's cheesy, and noodly, and creamy, and bubbly, and loaded with yummy carbs...what's not to love?

It's the perfect comfort food. In fact, if I was teary-eyed, and feeling stressed about being a good housewife for my hubby, I honestly think a big ol' bowl of the cheesy stuff could cheer me up.

But not just any bowl of mac n cheese could do the job. Only my MeMa's macaroni and cheese!
I've been eating it for as long as I can remember. I could probably make myself sick on the stuff. Thanksgivings, Christmases, Birthdays...it was always MeMa's job to bring the macaroni (I would get mad when Mom would kindly offer to give MeMa a break and bring it herself instead....my mom is a wonderful cook like all moms are, but she doesn't make the macaroni and cheese like MeMa).

So, tonight, being the brave housewife that I'm learning how to be, I tried my hand at MeMa's infamous macaroni and cheese. And I must say, it was rather delicious. 

yummy yummy in mine and Darren's tummy

Granted, it didn't taste JUST like MeMa's, but after a little bit of tweaking, I think it will be really close. And honestly, can anybody make a dish that tastes exactly like their grandma's? There's just something about a grandmother's cooking that can't be matched.

But if you would like to try.......Here's the recipe for MeMa's Macaroni and Cheese (I know that my MeMa is not your MeMa, so it might be kind of weird for you to call it "MeMa's." You can call it whatever you like): 

- 4 c. dried BIG elbow macaroni                        - Black pepper, to taste
- milk                                                               - 1 stick of Oleo (margarine)
- 1 tsp. salt                                                       - 1 lb. sliced American cheese (NOT processed!)

*Cook macaroni according to package directions; boil approximately 7-8 min. Drain. Return macaroni to saucepan and ALMOST cover with milk. Add salt, pepper, oleo, and cheese, leaving 3-4 cheese slices to place on top before baking. Melt ingredients together on medium heat. Pour in casserole dish. Place remaining 3-4 cheese slices on top. Bake at 350 until brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

(It tastes very delicious with barbecue meatballs, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits.......mmmm....)