This is an example of what I consider a great basic recipe. You can start with this and vary it depending on what's on sale, or what you have in the fridge or the freezer. It's also one you can whip up for unexpected events -- providing you have about 15 minutes prep time, and an hour for it to bake in the oven while you do other things. Macaroni is one of the staples I always try to keep on hand, along with milk and eggs, and cheese in the freezer. While I haven't tried it, I'm sure egg whites or egg substitute could be used in place of whole eggs. When the kids were at home I never made less than one and a half times the recipe, and it still disappeared at a tremendous rate!
Combine in oven proof casserole:
4 cups hot drained cooked macaroni (approx 2 cups raw)
2 Tbsp oleo, dotted over top
1-1/4 cups sharp cheese, in 1/2" cubes
1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste
Mix together and pour over top:
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups milk
Bake at 350º F for 40-50 min, or until golden brown on top.
VARIATIONS: Add drained, canned mushrooms, or sauted fresh ones, sauted chopped onions, green peppers, or a can of chopped green chilies.
Decrease milk by 2 cups and add a can of cut up stewed tomatoes.
For a one dish meal, sauté and add diced ham or sliced smoked sausage.
These are just a few of many possible variations on the basic theme. With egg substitutes, skim milk, low fat ham and sausage, and reduced fat cheeses, this dish can easily be both healthful and tasty.
