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It's hard to improve on macaroni and cheese, a timeless family favorite, yet each of these creamy variations offers
the cheese taste you love, as well as lots of calcium and protein! There are stovetop or oven-baked versions plus
recipes that subtly add vegetables in ways that kids can't resist. These recipes are easy to make and sure to satisfy.
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Simplicity adds to the enduring popularity of macaroni and cheese. All you need to do is cook macaroni in boiling water, drain
and combine with delicious LAND O LAKES® Cheese. You can add other ingredients for flavor or bake in the oven for
a richer texture. To assure delicious results every time, follow these helpful hints.
The cheese should melt to rich and creamy perfection. All you need to do before stirring the cheese into the macaroni is to reduce it from chunks, either by shredding or cubing. It is important to know which cheeses to shred and which to cube.
Shredding: If using a natural cheese like LAND O LAKES® Cheddar Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese, be sure the cheese is cold, but not frozen, when shredding. This makes the process easier and the results more uniform, allowing the cheese to melt evenly for a creamy texture.
Cubing: If using a pasteurized process cheese like LAND O LAKES® American Cheese Product, it is easier to cut into small cubes, rather than shred, since the cheese melts very well.
- Use enough water to cover. You should use a quart of water for each 4 ounces of macaroni you cook. Add the macaroni when the water is at a rolling boil to prevent macaroni from having a gummy texture. Once the macaroni is added, reduce the temperature to low and continue cooking.
- If you're using dried macaroni, check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum cooking time directed on the package.
- Cook the macaroni to an "al dente" state, which is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooking will cause the macaroni to be mushy.
- If the recipe will be cooked after the macaroni is added, make sure the pasta is slightly undercooked before adding to the recipe. Additional cooking of the entire recipe will ensure that the macaroni will get done.
- Drain the macaroni well before adding it to the other ingredients. If you don't, the macaroni and cheese will be watery and the cheese will not stick to the macaroni.
Serve hot and make sure you have enough. Macaroni and cheese has a way of disappearing quickly.
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