Classic Family Recipe - Mac n' Cheese with an Italian twist

 My parents are both chefs in the Chinese restaurant industry so my Chinese cooking skills are pretty good because my Mom pulled me into the kitchen at an early age to learn how to cook.  I did not follow in my parents foot steps as the hospitality industry was not my cup of tea but I do thank my parents for teaching me to cook.  While I would say I have some classic Family Chinese recipes to share with you, I decided to share instead my Classic American recipe that I learnt from my husband's side of the family. My husband is quarter French Martinique, quarter Irish and half American.  While that would make a really fun and interesting dish the classic family recipe that I learnt is mac n' cheese with an Italian twist.  My husband's side of the family actually eat a lot of Italian food as they live close to Philadelphia.  I first encountered the mac n' cheese with an Italian twist at an Eagles tailgating event.  My husband and his family are huge Philadelphia Eagles fans and every home game involves early morning tailgating sessions.  Everyone brings their coolers full of beer and their best tailgating food and the grill is on non-stop.  The mac n' cheese is a great hearty dish that can be served as a side or eaten as a main course and of course everyone young and old loves mac n' cheese.  Here's our recipe: 1 package of cooked macaroni pasta (al dente)Extra Sharp New York Cheddar shredded1 large can of crushed tomatoesOreganoBasilSalt & pepper to taste 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F2. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole with nonstick spray.3. Layer the bottom of the casserole dish with crushed tomato sauce4. Add a layer of cooked macaroni pasta5. Add a layer of crushed tomatoes6. Add a layer of shredded Extra Sharp New York Cheddar7. Add a pinch of oregano and basil to the cheese layer7. Repeat layering of macaroni, sauce, cheese, oregano and basil two more times8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and heated through I am not a big fan of pre-packaged mac n' cheese at all.  pre-packaged mac n' cheese is never served in our house although my kids do get their fair share at school to my dismay.  This recipe above is so quick and simple and the more cheese you add the tastier it gets.  Everyone makes their mac n' cheese different, how do you make yours? Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here."

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