Tag: mac and cheese

Finding Happiness is Cheesy

One thing children and adults can agree on is that mac and cheese is delicious.

As college students we find ourselves transitioning from youth to adulthood, so here is my recipe for this ultimate comfort food.

Given that you visited this blog, your happiness is probably closely linked to your next meal.

But did you know that certain foods can trigger greater neurological responses than others?

Two of the key ingredients in this recipe are eggs and cheese, and both are excellent sources of an amino acid called tryptophan.

Studies have shown that tryptophan-rich foods increase the serotonin levels in your brain. And as you may know, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates your sleep patterns and boosts your mood.

Yup, you read that right.

Eating foods like mac and cheese in moderation can actually make you happier. 

So if you’re stressed about exams, your job, or that dreaded discussion about your “future plans” at the Thanksgiving dinner table, grab a cheese grater and follow these simple instructions. Happiness is just one pan away.

And who knows, maybe if you serve this dish to your family next week they’ll be too preoccupied to ask about your post-graduation job prospects.

Now that’s something you can truly be thankful for.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

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Photo Credit: Catherine O.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box elbow macaroni
  • 4-6 tbsp butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 blocks Cracker Barrel sharp white cheddar cheese
  • Approximately 1 ¾ cup whole milk
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, shred cheese and set aside.
  3. In a smaller bowl, beat eggs and set aside.
  4. Boil water, add pasta, and cook 1-2 minutes less than the box instructions suggest.
  5. Drain pasta in sink, running colder water over it to stop the cooking process.
  6. Pour pasta into 9″ x 13″ disposable pan.
  7. Mix in melted butter.
  8. Mix in beaten eggs.
  9. Add desired amount of salt and cracked black pepper and mix thoroughly.
  10. Gradually stir in cheese.
  11. Add milk until you just begin to see it on the surface of the dish. (Don’t drown the pasta!)
  12. Bake for 1 hour. If you like an extra crispy top, carefully use your broiler for a few minutes once the dish has been baked.
  13. Remove from oven and let stand for 3-5 minutes.
  14. Enjoy!

This recipe serves 4-6 people, but it’s also great for freezing and reheating if you want to save some leftovers for yourself. It only requires six ingredients so it’s as cost effective as it is delicious, which is another reason to be happy.

Give it a try, let me know what you think, and most importantly have a wonderful Thanksgiving!