Tuesday 1 April 2008

Grandma's Macaroni and Cheese


Aunt Lois had us over for dinner on the weekend and served Grandma T's Macaroni and Cheese. I didn't know about this family dish but it was absolutely delicious!!! The best of comfort foods! Aunt Lois sent me the recipe and I made it tonight. It was good, but not as excellent as hers. I may have to watch her make it as the recipe is one of those "you just know the right amounts" recipe.

GRANDMA TOLMAN’S MACARONI N CHEESE RECIPE

With Crumb Topping

5 to 6 cups macaroni cooked a la dente

1 large bar of medium cheese, grated (540 grams)

1 large can of tomatoes, crushed or diced)

(I sometimes add a small can of tomato sauce to give it a bit more moisture)

1 large onion finely chopped

6-8 slices of bacon cut into small pieces or 1 lb with fat cut out

Seasoned bread crumbs

Parmesan cheese

Butter or margarine


Method

Use large casserole or rather deep rectangular pan or medium roasting pan

Place half of the macaroni in dish

Sprinkle half of onion over macaroni

Distribute cut bacon over onion & macaroni

Layer a good portion of cheese on top

Cover with tomato

Repeat above for second layer but, REVERSE cheese and tomato


Topping

I use probably a cup of grated cheese, maybe more, a few good shakes of parmesan cheese, bread crumbs (and I can’t tell you how much for sure) maybe half a cup and then 2 tbsp of butter. Work is with you hands so it is well combined then place on top of the last layer of cheese. ( I toasted and blended 6 slices of whole wheat bread for crumbs)

Bake uncovered at 350 F for one hour in a medium roasting pan.