Orion's Mac and Cheese of DOOOOOOOOM!!!

I don't have a recipe.  I just start making it with whatever I have on hand.  The only consistent ingredient is Velveeta.  Yes, kids... you heard me... Velveeta.  It adds a certain creaminess to the sauce that you just can't achieve any other way.  Suck it up, buttercup.  If you're eating homemade mac and cheese, you're not thinking about all the fat and calories anyway.  You're only thinking about how good it makes you feel.

Last night, I was digging through the fridge and came out with medium cheddar, extra sharp cheddar, half a carton of half & half, milk, butter, and some other random stuff from the spice cupboard...



Boil a bunch of macaroni for the time it says on the package.  I used elbows last night, but just about any sturdy shape will do.  I like shells and rotini too.



Cut up some Velveeta.  Yeah.  About that much...



Drain the macaroni and run it under cold water for about a minute.



In the same pot, melt some butter.  Yeah.  About that much...



Whisk in some flour (this was about 1/3 C.), dry mustard, onion powder, and cayenne... about that much...



Some paprika and pepper too...



Whisk in the half & half... and/or milk... the half & half isn't really crucial... I just happened to have some that needed to be used up.



Bring to a simmer and keep adding milk until it's thickened, but slightly thinner than you think it should be.  The cheese will thicken it up a bit.  Add the Velveeta and stir constantly until melted.





Add the grated cheddar (or jack... or pepper jack... or just about any cheese.  IT'S ALL GOOD!) and stir until melted.



When the cheese is melted, check the consistency of your sauce again.  Add a little more milk if it's too thick. Remember that some of it will be absorbed by the pasta as it bakes, so you want more sauce than you think is necessary.  Stir in the macaroni.





Pour half of the macaroni in a large baking dish.  Top with as much extra sharp cheddar cheese as you want.



Put in the rest of the macaroni and top with MORE CHEESE!!  Sprinkle lightly with paprika.  Using smoked paprika would be good too.



Bake at 350 or so... for about half an hour or so... or until it's hot and bubbly...



Serve however you want.  We had it as a side dish with ham and broccoli.



You may just want the baking dish and a spoon.