Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe is from a cookbook from 1946. Usually I ignore the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" but in this case i'm inclined to agree. This recipe is as perfect today as it was in 1946 (not that I would know), causing CK to declare it, rather conclusively as "The One".

• 1 cup macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, good quality
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter.
4. Add flour once butter is bubbling. Watch closely while stirring constantly for the colour to change to a light nut colour.
5. Add milk and cream in small increments, until completely incorporated and smooth. There should be no lumps. Add salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boiling point and boil for two minutes (stirring constantly). Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring often.
7. Add cheddar cheese little by little stirring well until it's all melted.
8. Turn off flame. Add macaroni noodles and stir to combine.
9. Transfer to buttered baking dish.
10. Top with buttered breadcrumbs (I pull little pieces off a bun or slice of bread and then toss in 1 tablespoon melted butter)
11. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes (or until top is golden brown and is bubbling).

Bacon Cheddar Muffins

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Bacon Cheddar Muffins

As strange as it sounds-- these muffins remind me of yardsales. When I was little my dad would make these when he needed my sister and I up early, awake and filled with sustenance. They now serve as great Sunday morning surprises when we have guests stay over. 

• 8 slices of bacon
• 2 cups AP flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded old Canadian cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
2. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain well, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings.
3. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, stir in cheese and cooked bacon.
4. In a small bowl combine egg, milk, butter and reserved bacon drippings.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until moistened.
6. Divide batter among six large 3 inch greased muffin cups (Cups will be very full).
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Makes 6 muffins.