Mac 'n Cheese Made With Reconstituted Powdered Milk

Credit for this recipe goes to the  University of Illinois Extension – Family Nutrition Program and our friend, Julie Henry, who asked the question – How long does reconstituted powdered milk stay fresh in refrigerator?

In my research, and in my experience, the answer is: Reconstituted (prepared) powdered milk will last, if it is covered and refrigerated at 40 degrees F, 3 to 5 days.

And, I found the great recipe I've posted here.  Thank you, Julie, for asking!

I found this recipe particularly interesting because you actually cook the macaroni in the milk; you don't cook it ahead of time in water.  If you use whole wheat noodles, just think of all the nutrition that stays in the dish instead of getting washed down the drain in the cooking water.

Try this recipe but be sure to tweak it to suit your family's taste, and budget.  Velveeta-style cheese works just fine, but you can add more flavor if you wish with Parmessan cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese.  I just use up what I have on hand.  You may also want to add some tomatoes, onion, or even leftover meat or chicken.  Once you have the basic recipe, you can turn it inside out and upside down!

Mac 'n Cheese

• 1 quart prepared (reconstituted) nonfat dry milk
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 2 cups cheese, shredded or finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Pour milk into large pot and put over medium heat, bringing just to a 'bubble' (do not boil hard).
Turn burner heat down to low and stir in the uncooked macaroni.
Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
Stir in butter or margarine, cheese, and salt; stir gently so butter and cheese melts.
Pour mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until browned on top.

You can add buttered bread crumbs to the top for a crunchy topping if you wish.

This Mac 'n Cheese dish is so easy to make, you may never again buy one of those boxed mixes!

p.s.  If you have questions about reconstituting (preparing) powdered milk, click here for more information: Reconstituting Powered Milk