Mac & Cheese . . . With A Twist

If your family is like my family, Mac & Cheese is sort of a "staple" in the household.  My kids love it.  My husband loves it.  So, I decided to add a few ingredients to the "traditional" Mac & Cheese recipe.  1-Ranch Dressing (Hidden Valley has the best taste)  2-Tomatoes  3-Green Onions  4-Shredded or canned chicken.

Macaroni & Cheese w/ a twist

1 2/3 cups dry, small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk

1 cup water

2 tablespoons margarine

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

3 tablespoons Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 small can chicken or 1 cup of shredded chicken

Preheat oven to 375

Grease a 2 quart casserole dish

COMBINE cornstarch, salt, mustard and pepper in medium saucepan.  Stir in evaporated milk, water and margarine.  Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.  Boil for one minute.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted.  Add macaroni, dressing, tomatoes, green onions and chicken.  Stir until well mixed.  Pour into casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and light brown in color.

**NOTE**

If you do not want to make the homemade recipe, you can use Kraft Mac & Cheese or any other boxed brand of Mac & Cheese.  With the boxed Mac & Cheese, use 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing.