Homemade Mac and Cheese

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	1 pound elbow macaroni
	3 cups milk or half-and-half
	12 to 18 slices American or Cheddar cheese
	12 Ritz crackers
	salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

1. Cook and drain elbow macaroni and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13- by 9-inch baking pan or a large casserole dish with butter.

2. Now have your child spoon a third of the pasta into the pan, then pour in 1 cup of the half-and-half and cover it all with 4 to 6 slices of American cheese. Add two more layers of pasta, half-and-half, and cheese in the same manner.

3. Next, crush a dozen Ritz crackers in a ziplock plastic bag. Add the salt, pepper, and paprika, shake to mix, then sprinkle the crumbs over the top layer of pasta and cheese.

4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6 to 8.