Macaroni & Cheese...

[SLP958]

It's considered a staple in African American households around here. Part of our family is African American, and part is white. So, whether or not we eat it depends on where we're going!

My son has recently decided that we should start bringing mac and cheese to the white family, but I don't know how to cook something worthy of the holiday table.

Why would the white family not like Mac n cheese? We are white and love it at holidays. Homemade of course.

Bet they would like it if you brought it.

 

[tianna26]

that's funny! I was having a conversation about menus with a good friend of mine who is Haitian. She is married to an African American man. In her family, the staple starch at holiday time is rice. In her DH's it is mac n cheese.

In my family, it is mashed potatoes. She thought mashed potatoes was weird!

I do make homemade mac n cheese, but wouldn't think to serve it for a holiday dinner.

Im my family we will have all 3 but my mom makes bomb Mac & cheese everyone looks for it. I thought everyone had it on holidays

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Why would the white family not like Mac n cheese? We are white and love it at holidays. Homemade of course.

Bet they would like it if you brought it.

Oh they'd like it I'm sure, I just don't know how to make it

 

[JVL1018]

Ive never had it anywhere for a holiday meal. i make it(from the box-the horror! ;-p)for my daughter for a snack( my son doesn't like it), or as a side with super casual, hot dogs on the grill type meal. Total about 3 or 4 times a year.
If I went to someone's house where they had the good homemade stuff on their holiday table, I'd be really happy. I'll be honest, I'd be happy about Kraft Mac and Cheese too. I LOVE Mac & cheese!

I'm making scalloped potatoes with my ham, tonight.

 

[eisforpants]

If we didn't have Mac and Cheese DH and DS wouldn't have much to eat. They are super picky!

 

[undertheradar]

I thought holiday dinners were about comfort foods and sharing a relaxing meal. The idea that a food doesn't look festive enough to be served at a holiday meal is just ridiculous.

 

[anniemck]

My family/friends always request my macaroni and cheese to any of our get togethers.
My daughter is getting married in February and we are having a Pot Luck Luncheon as her shower in January and everyone is to bring the recipe for what they make... so far I have had 6 inquiries as to whether I will be bringing 1. Macaroni and Cheese, 2. Apple Sauce Meatballs 3. Deviled Eggs
Yep, guess I will.
We have always had Macaroni and Cheese as part of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner now matter whether it was held at my house, my cousins, my aunts or my sister n laws. My MIL and FIL do not like Mac & Cheese no matter what, but they do not have to eat it either. Everyone else will.

Growing up mom's boyfriend would make a big pan, sometimes we would have it with hot dogs, sometimes it would be with a can of corn... it was cheap and it was good and it was filling... never boxed.

 

[MIGrandma]

I voted "other." I've never served it, or had it, at a holiday dinner. And I wouldn't if it's plain ol' Kraft, or a very simple version of homemade. But. DSIL made a wonderful macaroni and cheese a few months ago, and brought a dish down to us. It was awesome! I'd never had "fancy" macaroni and cheese before! I think a "fancy" version of macaroni and cheese could be served right along with traditional green bean casserole and it would fit in just fine.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We frequently grill or BBQ for Holiday meals, so it wouldn't be unheard of for us. Don't believe it's on the menu this year, however.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I will eat it from a box.
I would eat it even with rocks.
Holiday or no,
Mac and cheese are always a go.

 

[JessB320]

Yes, we have 11 nieces/nephews so whenever I cook, this is one of my side dishes. Even picky eaters seem to like it. I have a crockpot recipe that is cooking right now. I use that recipe when I'm busy with other dishes on the stove/in the oven, which is pretty much any holiday they're all coming here!!

Would you share your crockpot recipe??

 

[crz4mm2]

Not in "my" family, but my MIL makes it for every get together. It is one of the few things my niece would eat.

 

[NMAmy]

Yep, my grandma made homemade macaroni & cheese for every holiday meal when I was growing up and my family continues the tradition. It works out well since we have several vegetarians.

Along with a turkey or ham, my parents always made some of our favorite, more labor intensive dishes for holiday meals. So, it's also a tradition for us to have stuffed grape leaves and homemade noodles for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

 

[LuvLDM]

I love homemade mac n cheese, especially if it has crunchy bread crumbs on top!
While I do put a lot of effort into holiday meals and make everything from scratch, there is nothing fancy or formal about how we celebrate. Mac n Cheese is such good comfort food for the holidays!

 

[Mel522]

For the kids table, yes. Kids are picky eaters, and mac and cheese is a safe food that most kids will eat if nothing else appeals to them. I don't want any kids have meltdowns because they haven't eaten enough all day.

For the adult table, probably not. I don't think it really goes with what we serve on Christmas. We do basically the same thing as on Thanksgiving. Turkey, potatoes, corn, stuffing, and the like.

 

[maelstrom]

I make a fancy mac & cheese from scratch with chicken & bacon, with cheddar jack cheese. It was a big hit at Thanksgiving and I'm making it again tomorrow!

Here's a picture of it from Thanksgiving right after it came out of the oven:

 

[BearcatsFan]

I voted "sometimes".

I have attempted to serve it in the past, but my homemade recipes never seem to turn out. I'm on the lookout for a good no-fail one if anyone would be willing to share.

We have ham for Christmas, and we love mac & cheese with ham. Until I can find a recipe I can't ruin, it's boxed all the way for us (for shame!).

 

[Talking Hands]

We always have mac and cheese for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Not the boxed stuff but made from scratch.

 

[tvguy]

Never have had it for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
However, we will be having it tomorrow. I suggested it, and DD thought it sounded so good, she offered to make it from scratch.
Kind of fits in well this year, due to a family illness, this will be the lowest key Christmas in my 55 years, so comfort food works.

 

[kirstenb1]

Would you share your crockpot recipe??

Glad to!! I got this from a friend. I was a little skeptical, having tried the Martha Stewart/Alton Brown recipes, but this is awesome!!

8 oz box macaroni, cook according to directions
1 12 oz can evap milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 c sharp grated cheddar
1 cup Velveeta, cut into slices
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs

Blend all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour into crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hrs.

This a great basic recipe that frees up the stove and oven when you have a crowd. Although I make this for the kids, I'd easily add some Asiago or blue cheese for a more grown up palate. Last year I had 25 for Christmas Eve. I made this (doubled the recipe), shrimp and broccoli Alfredo, and Baked Ziti. Guess which was gone first?