Baked Macaroni and Cheese {& Walking Through Storms}
Sometimes, we’re aware that were about to walk into a storm.
We can sense the temperature changing before there is any evidence. We just know. We tense, brace ourselves, and try to prepare our minds with probable outcomes.
Other times, the storm hits unexpectedly.
Suddenly, we’re swept up in a cloud and we feel battered on all sides, and we’re left wondering, “what just happened?” Of course, I’m not talking about a physical storm like what these people are going through. I’m talking about a spiritual storm.
Out of the two storms, I prefer the unexpected. I don’t have time to think about it coming. It’s just there and I have to live in the moment and let the chips fall where they may, so to speak.
I Am Not Alone
Currently, I’m in a bit of a storm right now. One that I knew was coming. I knew there was nothing I could do to stop it from coming. I knew that I shouldn’t stop it from coming. I knew that it needed to happen.
And I know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
I’ve read that verse a million times. I even heard my father-in-law quote it in his sermon this past Sunday. For some reason, as I was writing this post, sorting out some of my thoughts, I thought of this verse.
God has a way of pushing our limits to stretch our thinking because He wants us to believe in Him. To have faith in Him. To trust His purpose. He doesn’t want us sheltered from the storm because He gives us strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)
We can endure the storm, no matter its length, because He loves us. (1 Corinthian 13:7) We can carry on even though we are weighed down with the world on our shoulders because we are not alone. (Hebrews 13:5 )
I am not alone — with Him I’m strong enough to handle anything — and He is working everything together for His purpose.
Well, if that’s not a perfectly comforting little pep talk, then I don’t know what is.
Something else that is comforting? Baked macaroni and cheese. The cheesy goodness, crisp top layer, and every carb lovers dream come true – another recipe that is perfect for potlucks, bringing a meal to someone, or serving alongside a main dish.
You could turn this into a main dish and add cooked chopped chicken or crumbled bacon.
If you wanted to get really crazy, you could make your own Hamburger Helper version. Just brown some ground beef and add a taco seasoning packet and layer it in with the pasta. Mmm, that could be really yummy!
The possibilities are endless with a great mac and cheese recipe.
Enjoy!
*Are you walking through a storm right now? Is there something we can pray for you about? Comment below….
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb . elbow macaroni
- 3-4 tbsp butter , chilled & cubed
- 2-4 cups grated cheddar cheese , I usually use around 3-3 1/2 cups
- 1-2 cups milk
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
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Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a deep, large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the box's directions. Drain.
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Place a small layer of pasta on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper lightly over the pasta. Place 5 dots of butter over the pasta and top with some shredded cheese. ( I usually eyeball all of this.)
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Repeat this layer until you've run out of pasta or have come to the top of the dish, ending with the topping of shredded cheese. Pour the milk into the baking dish-basically, guess on covering about a 1/3 of the baking dish in milk. This is what makes the creaminess.
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Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, cover with baking dish with a lid or foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
