skillet-baked macaroni and cheese

I hadn’t planned to spend most of the fall to date making skillets upon skillets of baked, gooey, decadent macaroni and cheese, though given the state ofthingsright now, perhaps this steady dose of comfort food was some unintended brilliance on my part. But mostly it started because we had baked mac and cheese from The Smith one night. My kids fought over the last scrapings from the pan and I reminded them — I honestly don’t even think they realize it sometimes — that I could make it for them, too. And so the next night, I pulled up my trustyMartha’s mac-and-cheese, a forever SK and internet favorite, and it immediately …irked me. Start with cooked pasta? Warm the milk for the bechamel? So many pans, so many bowls, so many steps. On a Tuesday, no less. It felt unacceptable. Once something gets under my skin, I can forget my other editorial plans. I was now pursued by a need to make it better, easier, and more practical for my real life in 2024. Each week since, I’ve made it one to two more times (I’m very popular with friends and family right now, thank you very much), trying to shave off time, steps, and keeping it simple enough that I’ve basically memorized it. And this is the result, my new forever go-to baked macaroni and cheese with the best part of theeasiest baked mac and cheese(no need to boil the pasta) with the best parts of Martha’s (a decadent, perfect sauce) and as little fuss as possible. A few details: It’s here!The special audiobook edition of Smitten Kitchen Keepers,Smitten Kitchen Keepers: A Kitchen Counter Conversation!published yesterday. Read by me, I hope it feels exactly like you’ve pulled up a chair and we’re hanging out in the kitchen together.Bonus recipe:When you purchase the audiobook, you will receive a signed holiday card from me, perfect to give as a gift, with a bonus recipe. To receive your card, complete the form with your purchase order numberright here. [US Residents, 18+. Ends December 13, 2024.] 6 months ago:Steamed Artichokes,Black Bean and Vegetable Bake, andPerfect Blueberry Muffin Loaf1 year ago:Chicken Rice with Buttered Onions2 year ago:Apple Dumplings3 years ago:Big Apple Crumb Cake4 years ago:Whole Wheat Chocolate Oat CookiesandSimple Cauliflower Tacos5 years ago:Chickpea and Kale Shakshuka6 years ago:Crispy Spinach Pizza7 years ago:Pizza BeansandChocolate Tahini Challah Buns8 years ago:Homemade Merguez with Herby YogurtandMagic Apple Plum Cobbler9 years ago:The Perfect Manhattan,Broccoli Cheddar SoupandS’more Cupcakes10 years ago:Latke WafflesandThe Crispy Egg11 years ago:Frico Grilled Cheese Sandwiches12 years ago:Crackly Banana BreadandSpaghetti with Broccoli Cream Pesto13 years ago:Apple Pie Cookies14 years ago:Single-Crust Apple and Plum Pie15 years ago:Date Spice LoafandLebanese-Style Stuffed Eggplant16 years ago:Summer’s Last Hurrah Panzanella,Sweet and Sour Glazed Cippoline,Majestic and Moist Honey Cake, andBest Challah (Egg Bread)17 years ago:Red Velvet Cake,Noodle Kugel,Spaghetti Fideos with Chorizo and AlmondsandCouscous and Feta-Stuffed Peppers18 years ago:Acorn Squash with Chile-Lime Vinaigrette