Deluxe Mac and Cheese

On our first wedding anniversary, Kevin gave me a gift any girl would ever wish for.  It was something I have cherished over the years and the times I have looked at it and thought of him are countless.  I knew, at the moment I opened this gift, that he really understood me.  I have been so very thankful for this gift time and time again. 

Alright.  Alright.  Stop laughing. 

You have no idea how difficult it was for me to type out the words:

" ...that he really understood me."

Ha!  I don't think my husband will ever understand me.  And nor will I understand him.  But!  He does understand my love for cookbook collecting.

Southern Living All-Time Favorite Pasta Recipes is a book I'm glad to have in my collection.  If for no other recipe than the one for Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese.  The use of the word "deluxe" as the adjective describing this dish should alert you to the use of sinfully rich ingredients. 

I've made this many times, but I don't make it often.  You'll see why!

Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese

Here's What You Need:

1 (8 oz) package elbox macaroni

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

2 cups cottage cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 cup diced cooked ham

3 Tablespoons finely chopped onion

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

2 Tablespoons melted butter

Here's What You Do:

Cook the macaroni and drain well.  Dump the macaroni into a large bowl or if you cooked the macaroni in a large pot, just put it back in the pot.  I like to use this method to save dirtying another bowl.  Add the next 8 ingredients; cheddar cheese through pepper.  Stir gently to combine. 

Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish.  Spoon the mixture into the dish.  Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter and then evenly scattered the crumb mixture over the pasta.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden and heated completely through. 

 

This is a great dish to make to use up any leftover ham.  A good stick-to-your-ribs meal that only requires a colorful veggie to round things out.  Afterwards, check your schedule to see if you can fit in some time on the treadmill!