Guest Author - Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph
Macaroni Pie is a mainstay side dish in the Caribbean. Just like macaroni and cheese in the states, everyone loves this traditional comfort food. Of course, everyone’s mama has the best recipe and serves it up with plenty of love, my mother and grandmother spoiled me on it. Here in the Caribbean, they make it just a little different, always bake it and sometimes even dress it up with ketchup. I’ve had it served with tuna, onions, and even vegetables such as green bell pepper, tomatoes, carrots or peas. Some cooks add herbs and spices while others top with bread crumbs. For me, I am a purist and don’t really care for any embellishment. Just give me good old pasta and cheese with a nice baked top and I am a very happy camper.
Here is a great Macaroni Pie recipe that is simple, quick and easy. It is just the way I like it, very basic. If you want to get creative, you can dress this recipe up in any number of ways by adding bacon bits, tuna, browned hamburger meat; the choice is yours. But trust me, this one is delicious just the way it is.
Macaroni Pie Recipe
16 ounces elbow macaroni
16 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups)
2 cups milk, evaporated milk or half & half
3 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and pour in the macaroni shells. Cook the macaroni according to the manufacturer's instructions, for about 10 minutes, or until soft. (The macaroni will continue to cook in the oven.) You can use either the large or small elbow macaroni, I prefer the large but the choice is yours.
Drain the macaroni shells well in a colander, and then pour it into a large bowl. Add the grated cheddar cheese to the pasta and stir to combine the two thoroughly.
Break the eggs into a medium sized bowl and whisk them lightly. Add the milk to the eggs and whisk them together. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the macaroni, add salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine all of the ingredients well.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the greased baking dish and bake it in a preheated oven for about an hour, or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the pie to rest for 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
Note: If the top begins to brown too quickly, add a piece of foil over the top of the baking dish.
