Mom’s Mac-N-Cheese

Though I am no professional cook, preparing meals for my son, Osiris, has always been one of my favorite ways to show him love. Over the years, I have perfected my mac-n-cheese recipe just for him. Hearing him say, “Wow, Mom! You make the best mac-n-cheese!” never gets old. It is a simple dish, but his excitement and appreciation turn it into something special. Cooking for him has become a cherished part of our routine, and each time he gives me that enthusiastic praise, it brightens my day in a way that nothing else can. Knowing I have made something that makes him so happy fills me with a sense of pride and joy.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 family sized box of Velveeta Shells
• ½ stick of butter
• 1 ¼ cup of whole milk
• 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers
• 1 cup block, sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS

• In a medium sized pot, boil shells on high for 6-7 minutes in 6 cups of water.
• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• While shells are boiling, shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, melt the butter and crunch up the Ritz crackers. I like to leave the Ritz a little chunky to maintain the crunch.
• Drain shells and add them back to the pot.
• Stir in cheese sauce that comes with the Velveeta, ¼ cup of sharp cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder and milk. Add the milk slowly so that the mixture does not cool too quickly.
• Add the mac-n-cheese to a round, glass pie dish. You can substitute this with a square or metal one based on your thickness preference.
• Add the remaining cheddar cheese so that it covers the top of the dish completely.
• Add the crackers over the cheese evenly.
• Drizzle butter over the dish, covering all crackers.
• Put dish into the oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
• Let cool for 20 minutes, then you are ready to dig in! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• I always prefer shredding my own cheese. It makes the taste better and seems to come out creamier.
• The mac-cheese is even better when warmed up the next day once everything has settled in.