Inside the White House: Favorite Foods of U.S. Presidents

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Thomas Jefferson: Mac & Cheese

A true Founding Father of comfort food, Thomas Jefferson is often credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to America after encountering pasta dishes in France and Italy. So enamored with the dish, he even imported a pasta machine and served a baked version at Monticello and state dinners. His take on this creamy, cheesy delight helped cement it as an American classic.

Ingredients (for 4-6 servings):

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk for 1 min to form a roux.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously, and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
5. Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well.
6. For a baked version: Transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and broil for 2-3 min. until golden.
7. Serve warm and enjoy a dish fit for a president!

Hungry for more? Check out these 10 Timeless Dishes that Should be in Every Family's Recipe Book