I have a confession to make. Despite my passion for homemade EVERYTHING, there is yet one stronghold to overcome in our family’s battle towards clean eating. We have eaten Kraft Dinner (that’s Mac ‘n Cheese for those of you south of the border, scratching your heads right now) at least once a week for more years than I can remember. That’s me, in the grocery store check-out, with an entire flat of it in the bottom of my cart when the price dips below $0.50/box. My husband and I love it. All four kids love it. Even the dog loves what Little Mister shares of it over the sides of his highchair. I have to say it is one of those rare lunch items everyone in the family will eat without complaint. And on those days when my brain just can’t concoct anything original, what could be easier than cooking up a box or two in minutes?
It’s been bothering me for awhile though, and I figured there must be a healthier way to enjoy this easy favorite. I make homemade macaroni and cheese at least once a month for an evening meal; but I’m not about to get into the hassle of making a roux just to have lunch (and a sink full of dirty dishes) 30 minutes later! Well, last week I discovered a recipe that has changed my comfort food-lovin’ life! REAL macaroni and cheese, in the microwave, in the same time it takes to whip up a box of KD (Kraft Dinner…again, Mac ‘n Cheese – I know we Canadians have weird names for things). So, without further ado (and with no roux), I present to you MICROWAVE ONE BOWL HOMEMADE MAC ‘N CHEESE. Hope you enjoy this as much as our family has. My kids are asking for this for lunch all the time now! 
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup milk, depending on how “juicy” you like it
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the older the better in my opinion)
DIRECTIONS
Stir together the noodles, salt, and hot water in a big, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave another 2 minutes. Stir. Keep doing this until the pasta is cooked through (about 6-8 minutes total). And, be careful. That bowl can get hot!
Then stir in the milk and cheese. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave another 30 seconds. Stir. You should now have a creamy bowl of cheesy goodness! Eat right away. It’ll kind of clump up as it cools.
I’ve also doubled this, and it seemed to work fine. Play around with it. It might take a few tries to get the consistency you’re craving.
My Peace in the Puzzle 