Remembering Tasha Tudor and a Favorite Recipe

I'm always inspired by stories of women who live a simple life, have a love for home and family, and beauty.  Tasha Tudor was one of these women.

Tasha Tudor was a beloved author, artist, and illustrator of many children's books.  I collected many of her books throughout the years, but The Tasha Tudor Cookbook, published in 1993, was the first.  All of her books are beautifully illustrated with scenes of home, children, flowers, animals, and all things lovely.

One of my family's favorite recipes from the cookbook is Macaroni and Cheese.  I made it for my sons when they were young, and I still make it today!

Macaroni and Cheese
Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup unbleached flour
2 cups milk
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper
4 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed (I know, not the healthiest ingredient ☺)
1/2 cup, or more if you like, crumbled Ritz crackers for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook macaroni in boiling water until tender.  Drain it while you prepare the cream sauce.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter, then whisk in flour and add the milk.
4. Stir the mixture until it thickens, then add Cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts.  Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cut the Velveeta into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into white sauce, but do not allow it to completely melt.
6. Place the drained macaroni in a baking dish, pour cheese sauce over it, and stir gently to mix.
7. Sprinkle with crumbled Ritz crackers.
8. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and bubbly.

~~~

"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish.  And what a privilege even to be alive.  In spite of all the pollution and horrors, how beautiful this world is.  Supposing you only saw the stars once a year.  Think what you would think.
The wonder of it!"
~ Tasha Tudor

1915-2008