Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese

photo courtesy of vavroom on flickr

This is a fantastic recipe the entire family loves. My friend Laura had the great idea to replace Velveeta with the aged cheddar (found in a red container in the dairy section). It is equally fabulous and gets you away from the the processed variety. Laura's insight doesn't end at food! Check out her blog at http://alaurafrancis.blogspot.com/. Only here will you contemplate the meaning of vomit (okay, not a great topic to pair with food, but I'm going with it...)

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese

2 1/2 cups macaroni (I use whole wheat)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 lb. processed cheese, cubed (Velveeta - 250g) or Laura's AGED cheddar
2/3 cup sour cream
1 1/3 cups cottage cheese
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (optional)

Cook and drain macaroni and place in a greased casserole dish.
Melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour; mix well.
Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
Add salt, sugar and Velveeta. Mix well.
Mix sour cream and cottage cheese into sauce.
Pour over macaroni. Mix well.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and crumbs over top.
May be frozen at this point. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Enjoy!