Quarantine Comfort Food: Homemade Mac & Cheese

Blame it on nostalgia for more carefree times, but during the last few weeks of quarantine we’ve been craving some our of childhood favorite comfort foods. From peanut butter and jelly to tuna fish sandwiches, we’re loving easy meals that satisfy our cravings for something familiar and delicious. And with a pantry stocked full of dry and canned goods, there’s no better time to revive some of our beloved old-school standbys—but with a modern twist. This Easy Cheesy Homemade Mac & Cheese is a breeze to make and is way better than the stuff you’ll get from a blue box. We made this version with Colby-Jack cheese because we had it on hand, but you can use whatever hard cheese you have in your fridge. You can also dress up this mac with grilled veggies, sausage, or chicken, or top it with bread crumbs and pop it in the broiler for a hint of crunch. Anyway you serve it, your mouth will be filled with childhood memories and your tastebuds will thank you.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound pasta (elbows or shells)

• 3 Tbsp flour

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1 cup half + half

• 1/3 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 pound Colby-Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions; be sure to add 1/4 tsp salt to the water used to boil the noodles. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the cheese sauce: Mix flour and sea salt together in a small bowl. Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add flour mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute until mixture is slightly brown. Add the half + half and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and whisk until smooth. Cook on medium-high heat until the mixture is thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Do not let the sauce boil.

Once the mixture is thick (a good test is to see if it sticks to the back of a spoon or spatula), reduce the heat to low and add the cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste and add more salt/seasoning if desired. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the sauce is evenly distributed.

Serve with a fresh green salad and a glass of sauvignon blanc or pinto noir.