The Forgotten Mac & Cheese That Fed Civil War Soldiers

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Start by heating canned milk in a tripod Dutch oven over a fire.

Pour rietoni pasta into the hot canned milk.

Stir the pasta continuously to prevent scorching.

Boil the pasta in the canned milk for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Check the pasta for tenderness after about 15 minutes.

Add butter to the pasta and stir until melted.

Add parmesan cheese to the mixture and stir until smooth and creamy.

If cooking on a stovetop, turn the burner to low to avoid scorching.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens