2 c Uncooked macaroni
Salt
1/4 lb Grated white or yellow
-cheese
1/4 lb Butter; melted
This one comes from the original Monticello cookbook. Mr. Jefferson
became fond of this dish while in Italy and brought it with him to the
colonies. Since he used “white or yellow cheese,” and since yellow cheese
is very uncommon in Italy but common in the colonies, we can almost say
that Jefferson designed what we call macaroni and cheese. This is the dish,
and he served it at formal parties.
Do you remember the line from the Yankee Doodle song about sticking a
feather in your hat and calling it macaroni? This was originally an English
song making fun of the colonists, who were eating well and becoming very
arrogant with King George of England. The “doodles” of the colonies were
now taking to eating macaroni. Just who did they think they were, eating
Italian foods and arguing with the King? So the song refers to the Yankees
getting a little fancy with feathers in their hats…and calling it
macaroni. The colonists thought it was funny and began singing the song
themselves. I credit Mr. Jefferson with this whole episode! When you serve
this to your children, be sure and tell them the story.
Boil the pasta in salted water until barely tender. Drain. Mix with the
cheese and butter and place in a baking dish. Bake at 350? until the cheese
is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
From The Frugal
Yields
6 Servings