Cody Updates by Mom

As a family where we both work full time jobs and we have many expectations for those around us, I have figured out how to make eating more enjoyable than a quick microwave mac and cheese.

There are a couple things that I tend to always have on hand. These are Panko bread crumbs, garlic (in any form), cayenne pepper, tabasco and cheese. It doesn’t have to be these but it is what I do. I am also, recently, liking a coarse ground pepper to my dishes.

Take a microwaveable mac and cheese or potato dish. Open and put it in an oven ready pan. You are not going to follow the directions on the package. I usually use a ceramic bowl or dish. I will preheat the oven to at least 350 usually 400. My hubby likes a browned mac and cheese so I will up the temp to 400 to help to get that.

Take your microwaveable mac and cheese and transfer it to the ceramic dish. Stir in a little garlic and cayenne. If it is fresh garlic I will toast it in a pan with a little oil before adding it to the mix. Sometimes, I will add a little basil or even a bit of black garlic. (black garlic is more sweet so not always a choice). Top with cheese and a little panko bread crumbs. Bake for about 10 minutes until hot.

Turn the oven to broil at, at least 450 degrees. Put the pan back into the oven to toast the cheese and bread crumbs. Maybe 10 minutes but watch it so it doesn’t get too brown. Crunchy is good, burnt is not so good.

Once brown, take out and let stand a couple minutes. Then serve.

Trust me, spending a few minutes on your sides can make you look like a master. Having a crunchy mac and cheese bite is awesome. You can do that with a little bit of love and an oven.

I know that making a mac and cheese from scratch and making it awesome is the bomb however most of us do not have the time. This trick can give us the same effect without spending hours on a dish.

I like the following microwave mac and cheese varieties.