Homemade Mac 'n' Cheese

I am a lover of cheese. In almost any form. Cheese added to just about anything makes it even better.

I've noticed that when I make a box of pasta (for having with meat sauce), we always have way more pasta than meat sauce. Izzy loves the meat sauce, and so do we! A pound of ground beef or turkey and sauce (from a jar or homemade) is gone after the three of us eat the meal, but there is always pasta left. So, I guess I could start making only half the box, or double the sauce...this time I decided to try homemade macaroni and cheese.

I found this recipe on Food Network, and it's from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, if you haven't heard of her--she has a fun blog, and (apparently) a television show on Food Network (where have I been).

So I used the leftover elbow macaroni noodles and whipped this up (I had approximately half the noodles necessary so I halved the sauce recipe).

The recipe is very precise, and the instructions are great. It was easy to get this great cheesy consistency, and I love that the instructions tell you to taste your sauce and adjust the spices so it works for you. I need to taste more while I cook.

I added breadcrumbs to the top, and baked in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes (until it was good and bubbly). Served as the less healthy side to fresh green beans and grilled chicken breasts.

Success!