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Macaroni and Tomatoes - Kid-Friendly Cooking Instructions

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By , About.com Guide

Macaroni and tomatoes is a family favorite in our house not only because kids like it but because it's a recipe kids can make. This cheesy, gooey recipe is most definitely not gourmet fare, but it's fast, cheap and easy. And kids love it!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound macaroni, dry
  • 1 large can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 12 ounces tomato juice
  • 6-8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated

Preparation:

Fill a large soup pot half full of water and bring to a boil. Add macaroni and stir lightly to break up sticking pasta pieces.

While the macaroni is cooking, grate cheese. Set aside. Take out a strainer or colander and put in sink.

Cook macaroni for 1 minute less than the minimum cooking time on the box. Carefully pour pasta and water into a strainer over sink. Drain macaroni thoroughly and return to cooking pot. Stir in all other ingredients. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes.

Do not simmer any longer than 3 minutes or the cheese will become stringy. Even when simmering for the time suggested, cheese will stick to the spoon and the pot.

Kids Can Cook Tip: This recipe is good for kids old enough and taught how to work the stove. However, an adult may need to drain the pasta for the child.

Important! While these "Kids Can Cook" recipes are written with kids in mind, they are not necessarily meant for kids to make without adult help. Kids' ages and level of cooking knowledge will affect how much help they need in the kitchen. So kids, always ask your parents before cooking anything!

User Reviews

 4 out of 5
This Is an old recipes, Member nisyxxx

My mother use to make this macaroni and tomatoes,I have made it several times also over the years.I have also served it to guests, by adding this extra dish to the meal.They loved it. I add onions to the macaroni when it is boiling or you can cook onions separate ( do not brown them ) and add to the dish. I sometime make a cheese sauce and mix it with the macaroni and tomatoes, no tomato juice as there is plenty of liquid in a can of diced tomatoes and add grated cheese on top of the dish. Excellent side dish, they eat it all.

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