Adventures with Mac & Cheese

My kids love macaroni and cheese, but I haven't bought the Kraft stuff in a really long time (I can't remember the last time I bought it).  I have discovered that making it from scratch isn't as difficult as it seems, it tastes better, and I can make it healthy.  But I do get bored.  So here is my small (yet growing) collection of macaroni and cheese recipes.

Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole - This is the recipe that started it all.  It is a Rachael Ray recipe and it holds true to the "30-minute meal" gimmick.  I have made this recipe countless times and it remains to be one of our favorite meals.  I have experimented with a variety of different hot dog brands and Hebrew National is probably my favorite, but a couple nights ago we tried turkey dogs and they were tasty.  If you wanted to go vegan, tofu dogs might work (though I haven't tried that yet).  My macaroni preference is the Barilla Plus brand, to be a little healthier.  I don't skimp on anything else.  Oh, and I use chicken broth instead of the beer.

Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower - This recipe is from the Real Simple Magazine (February 2009 issue).  It was delicious and my family loved it.  Requires a bit more time because of the cauliflower, but definitely worth it.

Spicy Mac & Cheese - This recipe is from Pioneer Woman.  As with pretty much every recipe I have tried if hers, it was good.  I didn't know how spicy it would be, and I wanted to make sure my kids would eat it, so I did not add the jalapeno pepper and I used regular Monterrey Jack cheese.

Dutch Macaroni - This recipe is from Kayotic Kitchen.  I don't think this link will take you directly to the recipe so just type "macaroni" in the search area and it will come right up.  I haven't actually tried this one yet, but very soon.  I'll let you know.

My one and only tip:  If the recipe you are using calls for cheddar cheese, use Sharp Cheddar -- you get more from the taste without having to add more cheese, if that makes sense.