Homemade Mac & Cheese

It almost pains me to release this recipe to the public. It has been a cherished recipe in my family for years. It has always been a huge hit but I think it is time to share and just in time for Thanksgiving! Let me just preface this recipe with a warning. This is a recipe for an experienced cook, not beginners. You also have to be VERY attentive. Make sure all kids, dogs, cats, husbands etc are tied up and locked out of your kitchen for the next half hour :D

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
4 cups of small elbow noodles
1 pound of deli American cheese
12 Kraft singles
Kellogg’s corn flake crumbs

Boil noodles to al dente, drain and place noodles in 9x13 glass baking dish. Set aside. In a large pot melt butter and add flour to create a roux. Increase heat to and stir until well mixed, may brown but do not burn or you will need to start over. SLOWLY start to add in 3 cups of milk while stirring the whole time. If your roux is clumping you are pouring in the milk too fast. Gradually increase the heat to a medium high as you add milk. Once all the milk is added stir until the mix is thick and you can see small bubbles. You will know it when you see it. YOU MUST STIR AND SCRAPE THE BOTTOM THE WHOLE TIME!! If you do not stir it will burn and you will need to start over. Do not leave unattended. Once ready, start adding the cheese one slice at a time. If you see your pot is too hot add a few more slices to cool it down. Add in all of the cheese and turn off heat. Take cheese sauce and pour over noodles. Mix the cheese and noodles to make sure they are well coated. Once coated sprinkle on the corn flake crumbs. You may fry the corn flake crumbs in a little bit of butter for golden deliciousness before sprinkling on top but not 100% necessary. You can interchange the topping with cooked bacon (added the last 15 minutes of bake) or Panko crumbs with parmesan cheese etc.

Place baking dish in oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Cheese should bubble but don’t let it brown on the bottom. Eat and enjoy!