Tomato Mac and Cheese

Oh, Paula. I feel like that's what I say everytime I make and devour one of Paula Deen's recipes. Seriously y'all, they are like heaven, plus a stick of butter. This one is very simple and as I watched her and her son, Jamie, make it on TV, I was immediately excited to get in the kitchen. I have become a firm follower of Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese (as have my family, friends and boyfriend, who all seem to eat copious amounts of the stuff whenever I make it.) But, I figured I would try this one out. Who doesn't love mac and cheese? And, tomatoes on top? Hello?!

Ingredients:

1/2 stick of butter
2 cups uncooked macaroni
1/2 minced onion, less if you don't like a lot of onion
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
3/4 tablespoon dry mustard
1/4 tablespoon paprika
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 ripe tomato, cut into slices
Pepper

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Boil the macaroni in a large pot over high heat until cooked to package instructions. Drain and pour into the baking dish to cool. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the onion, constantly stirring until softened. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard and paprika and mix well, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in the milk slowly and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add in the Cheddar cheese and  stir until incorporated and melted. Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir gently to combine. Cover the macaroni with tomato slices and sprinlke with salt and pepper. Bake for 35-45 minutes until bubbly. Serve hot! Once again (I feel like I say this everytime), I dug in before Randan reminded me to take a picture. I apologize, but you get the gist.

Eat and smile, my friends! This one is a keeper.

On another note, this time tomorrow, I will be on my way to the great state of South Carolina with MK and Christa in tow. I'm excited to see my family on Friday night in Lexington, and be in Columbia on Saturday for St. Patty's Day in Five Points! Thank goodness the weather is having mercy on us this year! In the past we have endured freezing temperatures and tornadoes, but this year's forecast has changed from high 50s and rain all day to the newest forecast of 70 and sunny all day! I CAN NOT WAIT! In the meantime, I will be daydreaming of green beer and floppy, glitter-shamrock headbands..

Have a great weekend!