Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

2 pounds of elbow macaroni

1 pound of sharp cheddar cheese

1 pound of Monterey jack cheese

2 pound block of original Velveeta brand cheese

2 to 2-1/2 cups of whole milk

4 large eggs, beaten

Kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper and Cajun seasoning, to taste

1 cup (2 sticks) of pure butter

Instructions:

Boil noodles, rinse, drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Shred the cheddar and jack cheeses, stir together and set aside. Meanwhile, pour 2 cups of milk into a large saucepan and warm over medium low heat. Cut up the Velveeta into chunks, add to the saucepan and cook over medium low heat until all of the cheese has melted. Add the additional milk only if needed to thin. Remove from the heat and set aside. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and lightly whisk. Scoop out some of the cheese sauce and slowly add that to the eggs to temper them, continuously whisking as you add the liquid to the eggs. Once well tempered, add the eggs to the cheese sauce and whisk together until well mixed.

Spray a large (3-1/2 quart) baking dish or casserole pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add half of the elbow noodles and season with salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning. Slice thin layers of butter and spread them around on top of the noodles. Sprinkle 1/2 of the cheddar/jack cheese combo over the noodles. Ladle 1/2 of the Velveeta cheese sauce over that. Repeat the layers of noodles, seasoning, butter, cheddar/jack cheese, and Velveeta sauce.

Cook at 375 degrees F, uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and browned. Makes about 12 servings.

Notes: Do not make substitutes, use low or reduced fat products, margarine, or a generic brand processed cheese. I use Velveeta brand processed cheese, sharp cheddar, whole milk and Land O'Lakes brand pure butter.