Miracle Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups milk, divided
• 2 cups dry macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard, optional
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, optional
• 10-15 cranks fresh cracked pepper, optional

Directions

Add the dry macaroni and 2 cups of milk to a medium pot. Cover the pot and set it over medium-high heat, stirring now and then as it comes to a boil. The moment it boils, lower the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir plenty during this part so the pasta does not clump together or catch on the bottom, and put the lid back on right away after each stir so the steam stays in the pot. When the pasta is soft and most of the milk has been absorbed, add the salt, pepper, paprika, and dijon, or use the seasonings you like. If it starts to seem too dry, pour in the remaining 1/4 cup of milk. Turn off the heat, then mix in the shredded cheese until it is melted and smooth. Serve right away.