recipes
Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
(Feature Impact) If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. Mac and cheese is a staple in households across the country, and this version with made-from-scratch sauce will leave your loved ones asking for more.
To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Visit Culinary.net to find more comfort food classics.
Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
- 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, divided
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
- ground black pepper, to taste
- In nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk and shells to simmer. Season with salt, to taste. Cook, stirring, until pasta is tender and liquid thickens, 9-12 minutes.
- In small bowl, whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and dry mustard. Stir into skillet. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding water to adjust consistency. Stir in butter then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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