A Boy and His Cheese

My son has a real love affair going on; and even at the age of 12 1/2, I'm okay with it. Why? Because it's with cheese!  It started at a very young age, and it has only grown deeper and more real with every passing year.

Just how far will he go for the cheese? Well, every week he accompanies me to the grocery store so that 1. He can spend time with me and 2. He can see if there are any free cheese samples. True story. 

Lately, he has also been watching a lot of Food Network shows on demand. Actually we watch them together when I'm feeding baby Max a bottle. He has always watched cooking shows with me, but now he is actually taking notes of recipes he wants to try. And that is how we stumbled up on this cheesy dream.

He was watching a recent episode of Pioneer Woman  and this was one of the dishes featured in the episode. Right away he declared "Mom, we need to make this!" Well, how could I argue with that? 

If your kids are mac n cheese lovers like him, they are going to flip for this! It's SO much better than any box! Plus, if they are little sous chefs, they can do a lot of this with you! He did! 

It is no wonder the boy loves his cheese so much, after all, it's a family trait! 

Easy Shells n Cheese

2 lb. small shell pasta

1 lb. Velveeta, cubed

4 c. finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 c. milk

2 TBS butter

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook pasta to al dente. Drain well. As the pasta cooks, in a large pot or dutch oven, heat milk and butter over medium low heat. When up to temperature, turn heat to low, stir in Velveeta until completely melted and smooth. (This will take a little time, just be patient.) Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Turn heat up to medium. Season with Salt and Pepper. After pasta is drained, add to sauce and mix to combine. 

Recipe From Pioneer Woman