Tried and True Macaroni and Cheese

I'm not going to start this post commenting on how macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food - I'm sure you already know that. The sad fact is Kraft has all but ruined such a wonderful dish with their day-glow orange powder stuff!! I actually know kids that prefer that stuff to the original. Well, not my kids - thank heavens!! This is my T&T macaroni and cheese recipe. I love it to death - I can even mix it all up in the baking dish!! My photo doesn't do the dish justice. We like ours a little "brown" on top with sliced American cheese, but the original recipe calls for a breadcrumb topping. I'm sure that would be good too, but with kids around, you can't go wrong with American cheese!! I have no idea where I got the recipe, so I'm unable to give the original creator their dues. Whoever you are, I am eternally grateful!!

I think this photo says it all:

This is my son Chris giving me the "thumbs up" for my macaroni and cheese and Pioneer Woman's Chicken Strips. That was one good meal!!

Tried and True Macaroni and Cheese

8 oz. dry elbow macaroni

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

12 oz cottage cheese

8 oz sour cream

1/4 c. Parmasean cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Additional sliced American cheese, buttered bread crumbs, or shredded cheese (your preference)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Boil macaroni for about 8 minutes or al dente. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream and Parmesan cheese to the baking dish. Drain macaroni, but do not rinse. Add to baking dish. Mix all ingredients, add salt and pepper to taste. Spread out even in baking dish. Top with sliced American Cheese, or buttered bread crumbs, or additional shredded cheese (your preference). Bake about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Finally, I'm finishing this post up with a non-food photo. I just thought it was so neat last night to watch this deer walk through the wooded area behind our home. I was so lucky to have my camera and be able to get this photo. There's a creek right by the deer that she was walking to. I hope you enjoy!!