Donna's Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni

3 T butter

3 T flour

1T dry mustard

3 cps (2 large cans) Evaporated Milk

1 Bay Leaf

1/2 t Paprika

1 lg egg

1 lb sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

1t salt

fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 T melted butter

1 cp bread crumbs (I would use crushed potato chips, but to each                                  his own)

preheat oven to 350

Cook macaroni according to box directions, drain thoroughly.

In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat, and whisk in the flour and dry mustard. Keep moving until the roux turns slightly brown, about 5 mins. Stir in milk and paprika.  Add bay leaf.  Simmer for 10 mins, then remove the bay leaf.

Temper in egg ( https://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-temper-an-egg ).  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir in 3/4 of cheese.  Fold in drained macaroni and pour into 2 qt casserole. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt butter in skillet and toss in bread crumbs.  Sprinkle over top.

Bake for 30 mins.  Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

 

 

My new favorite MEATLOAF

3 lbs Ground Beef (I use 73/27, but 80/20 should work fine)
1 can condensed French Onion Soup  (NOT envelope)
1 1/2 cps Italian Style Bread Crumbs
2 lg eggs
1/4 cp Ketchup
1 tsp Seasoned Salt (I use Morton's, but any will do)

heat oven to 350.

Be ready to get your hand dirty.  Using your hands, thoroughly combine all ingredients.  Drop into greased 8x11 baking pan. Shape into a firm loaf.  Bake 75 to 90 mins.

OR FOR REALLY AMAZING...

Place large drip pan in center of coal rack in covered grill (I use the ones Kingsford makes, available Home Depot). Put approx. 30 briquettes on each side of drip pan.  If using lump charcoal, fill to about 1/2" below pan edge.  Add a teakettle of hot water to pan.  Light coals.  When coals are hot, throw some soaked wood chips (couple hands full) or a chunk of hardwood on coals. I really like Pecan wood, but whatever your favorite.  Leave loaf in pan! Place on grill rack.  Close lid and bake about 75 minutes.  Try to keep temp under 400 by adjusting grill vents.  But it is not a huge deal if you can't.