QUICK TIP: Easier Macaroni and Cheese Preparation
The directions for preparation on a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Spirals are:
- Boil 6 cups water. Stir in Macaroni. Boil 6 to 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain. Do Not Rinse. Return to pan.
- Add 3 tablespoons spread[/butter] (or 1/2 tablespoon unmelted butter for lower fat preparation), 3 tablespoons 2% milk (or skim milk for lower fat preparation), and Cheese Sauce Mix, mix well. Makes 3 servings.
Here’s a simple trick my wife, Lacey, taught me to make step 3 a little bit easier:
After returning the drained pasta to the pot, turn the stove back on, at its lowest setting. Then, add the butter, which will be much easier to stir in with a little bit of heat melting it. Next, add the milk, and stir that up. At this point, the pasta is coated in butter and milk, which makes the cheese powder stick to it better. I leave the heat on until I’m completely done mixing it all up, which also ensures that the finished Mac and Cheese will actually still be warm by the time you dish it out.
Image and preparation directions taken (slightly cropped/rearranged) from product info on Amazon.com: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Spiral, 5.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 24)
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February 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Even better: When the butter is melted and the milk is added, also add the cheese sauce. Stir, using the back of your stirring spoon to remove lumps. I always want to add more milk at this point to turn the pasty mess into a creamy sauce. I also add a little garlic powder or chili pepper or just pepper. Stir for a few seconds then stir in your drained pasta.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Ooh! Thanks, speedwell, I like the sound of that! I hate it when the cheese powder gets stuck in the pasta’s crevices and there’s just no way to get it all mixed in. Your method will totally prevent that. I look forward to trying that sometime this week!
February 5th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I make my mac and cheese the same way as speedwell, but I use Annie’s brand instead.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
I’d always done it the way speedwell mentioned…well until I learned that you can actually make mac and cheese without a cardboard box involved! Ha! Just kidding, actually sadly enough my kids prefer the kraft variety to the homemade kind:( I blame their crappy palates not my cooking.