Are you a Mac & Cheese Fan

[duckyfromoz]

Dont make me cry

I used to be able to buy it here years ago- but it obviously didnt sell well here in OZ- so it disapeared from supermarket shelves. We recently had a Costco open here - maybe I should go have a look there. Maybe they will also stock some American lines of groceries. It would have to be cheaper there.

I only knew of one place to buy it before Christmas- so went into the city to buy a few cans to enjoy with Christmas dinner. $3.50 a can!!!!

SO does anyone have a favorite brand of Mac & cheese ??? Just curious to see if anyone mentions the one that I bought. Might tempt me to try it sooner.

 

[Kim_NC]

I never buy any brand of mac & cheese packaged product. It just isn't the same as a homemade recipe. LOL...yes, it's true there is 'mac & cheese' all over the grocery shelves here, some of it quite cheap, and I walk right past it.

How interesting that Costco has opened in Australia!

 

[Andi]

I also like to make my own. With so many option in cheeses, the variety of tastes is endless.

When I do get the boxed variety from the store, the only brand I will get is Kraft. I prefer the original recipe they make.

I live in the upper Midwest where cheese/dairy production is common. Does Australia have much cheese/dairy production or is all the cheese and dairy imported? I could see mac and cheese being a treat item if that were the case.

 

[Equus5O]

I recently made mac and cheese with Gruyere and Manchego cheeses. I wanted to try something other than cheddar, for a change. It was expensive, but OMG! It was outstanding! I only make mac and cheese a few times a year, when I make a ham. It's just not one of my husband's favorites. So, I don't think I'll mind splurging on expensive cheeses to make it taste reeeeaaalllyyy good when I do make it.

"The Barefoot Contessa" on FoodNetwork also has a mac and cheese recipe, with mushrooms and truffle butter. I don't know about the truffle butter, but I'd give the mushrooms a try for a really small batch. I don't think the shrooms would go over too well with the rest of the family. And, she also used Gruyere cheese, with a sharp Cheddar.

 

[NYREDS]

Try adding some Gorgonzola Cheese some time for the richest, creamiest Mac & Cheese you ever ate.

 

[Andi]

Seeing we have a fair amount of homemade mac and cheese makers here, how about we tell how we go about making our versions. I've only tried it a couple ways. I'm curious how the rest of you make it.

The first way is taking the cooked noodles and putting them on a plate and smothering them with the shredded cheese and popping it in the microwave until its melted. Its quick and easy, but its drier and not as creamy.

The other method I've used came about because the first time I tried making it it didn't turn out so well (which was just adding shredded cheese to the cooked and drained noodles in the pot). Now what I do is melt butter in a pot, add the cheese and let it melt, add milk to make it creamy, then I add the cooked noodles and stir to coat them. I use a medium-low heat and a lid to hold the heat in when I'm melting. Sometimes I'll add various seasonings but sometimes I don't. I never measure anything. I'm an eyeball it kinda cook. It doesn't bother me if it turns out a little different each time. Sometimes its even better.

 

[NYREDS]

I like to start with a Bechamel Sauce-one of the 5 "Mother Sauces" & add cheese or cheeses to that. Allow the cheese to melt over a low/moderate flamethen season & add the noodles.
I sometimes add some sour cream &/or cream cheese as well.

 

[TerriLaChicks]

We've always like the Kraft Deluxe Four cheese even better than made from 'scratch'--it's a major yummy comfort food either way! I'm lactose intolerant so dont' cook with a lot of milk & have to watch how much dairy I consume also.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Quote:
The Americ standard that we all grew up with is Kraft. It comes in two main styles one with powdered cheese (you add milk and butter) this one is very cheap here and the one most kids like and the other style has a processed cheese ilike this one better. Then there are several flavor variestes in each style

 

[wildorchid053]

i make a white sauce too and add tons of cheddar and parmesan... lots of black pepper too and top it with a little more shredded cheese and bake till brown on top and bubbling.. we only eat it with applesauce.. lol kids love to mix it together