National Mac and Cheese Day

 


Today, we celebrate macaroni and cheese, the iconic comfort food.


Forme of Cury, the Medieval English cookbook, includes the oldest known printed recipe for this dish. The food site Epicurious says that back in 160 BC, the Romans combined pasta with cheese.


Thomas Jefferson brought this staple meal to the United States after visiting France. He returned from his visit with a pasta machine and noodle recipes. He even ordered his chefs to serve macaroni and cheese at a state dinner in 1802.


Later in 1824, The Virginia House-Wife, a US cookbook, published a recipe.


Those of us in the Baby Boomer Generation grew up with Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, first sold in yellow boxes in 1937 (changed to blue in 1954). In the era of World War II food rationing, it was a bargain: two boxes for one food ration stamp. The product could serve four people for 19 cents. The non-perishable, long shelf life, and easy preparation were a boon for women working in factories.


Over the years, Kraft removed food dyes and introduced cartoon figures and cult favorite shaped pasta.


Many companies make their own style (boxed, fresh, and frozen). During undergraduate school I survived on the contents of the generic black-n-white package. No cookbook or recipe website would be complete without a mac and cheese version. In fact, entire cookbooks are dedicated solely to macaroni and cheese.


Restaurants ranging from diners to elite restaurants offer a variety of options. There are even chain establishments and food carts that serve only mac and cheese.


What are you having for dinner tonight? I have a suggestion, LOL. You can dress up your homemade meal with gourmet add-ons.

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