President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese

President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food recipe that has been enjoyed by many over the years. This creamy and cheesy dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a family gathering.

History

This recipe was a favorite of President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy. It is said to have been a staple in their household during their time in the White House. The simple yet delicious combination of macaroni, cheese, and a few key ingredients has made this dish a timeless classic.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) macaroni
1 tbsp butter
1 beaten egg
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp dry mustard
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk

How to prepare

Boil the macaroni in water until it is tender. Drain it thoroughly.
Stir in the butter and egg.
Mix the mustard and salt with 1 tbsp of hot water, then add it to the milk.
Add the cheese to the macaroni.
Leave enough cheese to sprinkle on top.
Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
Add the milk.
Sprinkle the remainder of the cheese on top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 45 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is crusty.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Mix in some diced tomatoes or green chilies for a bit of heat.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Swiss, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the macaroni after boiling to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Mixing the mustard and salt with hot water before adding it to the milk helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.

- Sprinkling the remainder of the cheese on top before baking creates a deliciously cheesy crust on the top of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this macaroni and cheese dish as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking this dish at a lower temperature for a longer period of time helps to create a creamy and custardy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this macaroni and cheese dish contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, providing approximately 30% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk) and gluten (macaroni), making it unsuitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an indulgent treat.

Summary

President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to please the whole family. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, this recipe is a timeless favorite that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that my friend had lent me. As I turned the pages, a faded newspaper clipping fell out and landed in my lap. It was a recipe for macaroni and cheese that was supposedly a favorite of President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy.

I was intrigued. I had always been a fan of macaroni and cheese, and the idea of making a dish that had been enjoyed by the President himself was too tempting to resist. I quickly scanned the ingredients and instructions, and realized that I had everything I needed to make it right then and there.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheese, and a few seasonings. I boiled the macaroni until it was al dente, then started on the cheese sauce. I melted the butter in a saucepan, added the flour to make a roux, then slowly whisked in the milk until the sauce was smooth and creamy. I added the shredded cheese, a pinch of mustard powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

As the cheese sauce bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think about the history behind this recipe. How had it come to be a favorite of the Reagans? Did they enjoy it at family dinners in the White House? Did Mrs. Reagan make it herself, or was it prepared by the White House chefs? I imagined them sitting down to a meal of macaroni and cheese, just like any other family, enjoying this simple comfort food together.

Finally, the macaroni and cheese was ready. I spooned it into a baking dish, sprinkled some breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish, and popped it in the oven to bake until golden and bubbly. The house filled with the delicious smell of melted cheese and pasta, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the macaroni and cheese out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving myself a generous portion. The first bite was pure comfort - creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. I could see why this recipe had become a favorite of the Reagans. It was the kind of dish that brought people together, that made you feel at home no matter where you were.

As I savored each bite, I thought about all the recipes I had collected over the years - from family members, friends, cookbooks, and now, even from a newspaper clipping. Each one had a story behind it, a connection to someone or something that made it special. And now, this recipe for President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese had its own place in my collection, a reminder of a sunny afternoon spent in the kitchen, discovering a new favorite dish.

I made sure to save the recipe, tucking it away in my cookbook for safekeeping. Who knew, maybe one day I would have the opportunity to share this dish with my own family and friends, passing on the story of how I learned to make President and Mrs. Reagan's Macaroni and Cheese. Until then, I would continue to enjoy it myself, savoring each bite and remembering the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this delicious recipe.