We have been eating homemade Mac n' Cheese since the children were young.
It was a budget stretcher and a well loved casserole.
Back in the 80's I had a habit of shopping for arts and crafts furniture and pottery using the food budget money!
The kids were active participants in my escapades.
Partners in crime!
I'd buy some new piece and have it in the Volvo, the 3 of us would bring it inside, rearrange the furniture, put some fresh picked flowers or greenery in some vases, and I'd make dinner...mac n' cheese.
When Mr. HB came home I'd have a drink ready for him and would hand it to him as soon as he took off his coat....that was when he would look around and say OK...what's new?
The kids would be giggling and waiting for his reaction. I would be somewhat sheepish, crossing my fingers and hoping that he would approve of the newest item.
Those were the days when arts and crafts furniture was uber trendy and Barbra Streisand was paying top dollar for her Stickley pieces at auction.
I found most of our furniture in local shops and was a recognised collector.
I patronized the various establishments on a weekly basis.
I splurged and bought a lovely glass fronted china cabinet which cost $500.
That was the year of our 10th year anniversary, July 1984.
I remember the date because Mr. HB gave me diamond studs!
We were frugal in some areas and that allowed us to slurge in others.
Bungalow Mac n' Cheese
Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain.
Grate strong cheddar cheese, set aside.
Make a white sauce or roux.
In the same pot that you cooked the pasta add 1/2 c. butter melt, and whisk in 1/2 c. flour until blended and smooth, add 2 c. milk, and cook stirring 5 -10 minutes and then add 2 c. cheese.
Whisk until blended.
Remove from heat and put pasta in a casserole, add cheese sauce.
Top with panko crumbs and scatter on top 1/4 c. cheese.
I put foil on top of casserole to keep it moist while cooking.
Put into the oven 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Bungalow Mac n' Cheese is very nostalgic nosh.
It transports me back a few decades.
I smile when I remember the mischief that we got up to in those early days of home ownership, and the joyous days of raising our family.
I revel and cherish the memories of when our children were young.
The adventures and simple joys in our daily round.
Most activities were free or cheap.
We made our own fun and laughed a LOT!
We had to, that was what sustained us, and bound us together, it was the glue factor.
Are there comfort foods in your home?
Do they stir up memories of times past?
