Skillet Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 3 1/2 cups water (plus extra if needed)
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
• ground black pepper

Recipe

• 1 bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 tsp salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over hight heat. cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9-12 minutes.
• 2 whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard, and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. continue to simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
• 3 off the heat, stir in the cheddar and m.j. cheeses, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to tasted. serve immediately.
• 4 ham & pea variation: follow the recipe, adding 4 ounces deli-style baked ham, diced, and 1/2 cup frozen peas to the skillet with the cornstarch mixture in step 2.