What about just plain ol’ mac and cheeses? Forget all the bacon and the fancy cheese that none of us really like to spend money on. Just noodles and a nice and creamy cheese sauce.

Eventually, we all “step outside of the box,” so to speak. No more Kraft box dinners – however great you think that stuff is, we all eventually put down the powder. That is, until our kids reel us back in. But that’s another story.

If you haven’t tried the regular classic mac and cheese recipe, I think you’ll like it if you give it a try. Of course the particular flavors are dependent on the types of cheese you use: sharp, mild or white cheddar, or maybe even Velveeta if you are so inclined to make it super cheesy.

Side note, Velveeta is not even real cheese, it is a cheese product, and I am not even sure what that means…

So, if you are ready to step outside the box and ignore the whining of your kids to get back in the box, try out this recipe. It is quick, easy and good. Cause when you just want straight up mac and cheese, simple is best.

Although this original recipe is made to serve like 10 people (actually, it says 6, but whatever), it is easily halved, or even thirded(what?) as I did. Recipe originally from Pies n Thighs Restaurant in New York, via the Martha Stewart website.

2 cups heavy cream
7 1/2 cups mild cheddar, shredded
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
generous pinch of cayenne
7 cups cooked elbow noodles
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp hot sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot