Food Economics Lab

Macaroni and Cheese

½ cup margarine or butter

¼  chopped onion (optional)

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

¼ cup flour

1¾ cup milk

8 ounces processed cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni

Cook macaroni as directed.  Cook and stir margarine, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until onion is slightly tender.  Blend in flour.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute, remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir cheese sauce into macaroni. (Optional: cook uncovered in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes).

Butter Dips

¼ cup butter

1 ¼ cups flour

2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2/3 cup milk

Heat the oven to 450.  Cut the butter into four equal pieces and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.  Put the baking dish in the oven to melt the butter.  Whisk together dry ingredients.  Add milk and stir until a loose dough forms.  Turn dough out onto floured surface and press into a square about the size of the baking dish.  Cut into strips.  Place strips in melted butter, turning to coat.  Bake for 15 minutes.

Deep Fried Green Beans
1/2 lb. green beans
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Oil for frying

Cook beans in a pot of water for 5-8 minutes to soften slightly.  In a bowl, combine flour, milk, egg, baking powder and salt.  Mix until smooth.  Heat oil in a skillet.  Dip beans in batter.  Fry until lightly browned.  Remove from oil.  Drain on paper towel.