Stove Top Macaroni & Cheese

Since macaroni is the featured ingredient for May 2004, here is an easy one-pot stove top macaroni and cheese recipe my friend gave to me. My family likes it served with toasted buttered garlic bread and a green salad.Use one or more of the variations provided to suit your tastes and to use up leftovers.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups  uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1⁄4 cup  minced onion
• 2  tablespoons  minced green peppers
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2  cups water
• 1  cup milk
• 2  cups  grated cheddar cheese
• 1  dash parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Melt butter in large deep skillet (12” wide x 3” deep) or pot.
2. Add raw macaroni, onion, green pepper, salt and dry mustard.
3. Stir in water and milk.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer COVERED for 10 to 15 minutes until macaroni is tender.
6. Stir frequently.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Stir in grated cheese (s) until melted.
9. Stir in one or more of the following add-ins and seasonings (optional).
10. Add cooked meat such as chopped chicken, ham, hamburger, chopped sausages for a few minutes before finished cooking time to heat thoroughly.
11. Add a 14 oz. can stewed tomatoes, drained (use the liquid for the water in the recipe) just before bringing ingredients to a boil in the recipe.
12. Add some chopped celery, chopped green onion, or leftover cooked veggies.
13. Vary the seasonings by using chili powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, or fresh ground pepper.