Whether opting for the box variety or melting in the comfort of grandma’s home-style dishes, macaroni and cheese is one pasta meal that has captured the taste buds of Americans for decades. As many fans of the dish gear up for the opening of Mac & Melts—a gourmet, casual dining restaurant in Garden City, New York—it is clear that the love for this American classic will continue on for years to come. But why is the love for macaroni and cheese so strong?
- Macaroni and Cheese is Rooted in American History
Throughout the last 50 years, Americans have seen the classic mac and cheese meal transform and evolve in many different ways. Whether being served up in a casserole dish at holiday gatherings or presented with gourmet ingredients, this cheesy pasta meal is known for making mouths water. However, what many mac and cheese connoisseurs may not know, is that the dish carries with it a unique story that is attached to the birth of our nation.
Although the exact birthplace of mac and cheese will remain a mystery, many credit Thomas Jefferson for bringing the dish to the United States after taking a trip to France. Armed with pasta makers and cheeses of the early 1800s, Jefferson jumpstarted America’s love affair with this dish and served it at the White House state dinner during his presidency in 1802.
Fast forward into the future, and macaroni and cheese was still making waves in the early to mid-20th century. Due to its easy nature, affordable ingredients and availability, homes across the U.S. found that mac and cheese could cement itself as a crowd pleaser during the Great Depression and World War II. Seeing that this dish has helped guide Americans through our country’s highs and lows, maybe one of the reasons we remain enamored with it today is that it is such a unique, yet unassuming part of our heritage.
- Macaroni and Cheese is Versatile
America has always defined itself as the great melting pot, and perhaps macaroni and cheese is the most literal interpretation of that concept of cultural diversity. While the simple versions of macaroni and cheese only involve a few ingredients, inventive chefs and homemakers have found many ways to add their own flair to this staple over the years. Just by taking a look at the Mac & Melts menu, you can get an idea of just how versatile this classic comfort food dish really is.
You see, macaroni and cheese does not carry any bias or exclusionary rules that some other highbrow entrees may set forth. Whether you want to slice up some hot dogs and stir them in your mac or spruce up the dish with truffle oil and gourmet cheese—there are no limitations. Even vegans have come to discover that this dish can present many appropriate options.
In addition to the wide array of ingredients that can be found in macaroni and cheese dishes throughout the U.S., this meal can also take many different forms. From deep-fried mac and cheese balls to waffle-pressed macs, this American staple can assume a wide variety of shapes to spice up any meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese is Universal
While diners may have their own particular favorite macaroni and cheese representation, it is clear that many different types of foodies love this pasta dish. Not many meals can make the bold claim that it can please the whole family—from kids to grandparents. When served warm, fresh and cheesy, this comfort food standard is always making people smile. So while it may go unnoticed and unappreciated most of the time, macaroni and cheese will always be credited as a dish that is universal, allowing individuals to forget about their troubles for a brief moment and enjoy the food before them, as well as the company they share it with.
http://macnmelts.com/why-love-mac-cheese-its-full-of-surprises-and-comes-in-many-shapes-and-sizes/
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