Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheese
I don’t think it is any big secret that I loooooooooove me some macaroni and cheese. My mother made a wonderful dish that was a mixture of Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar with milk and butter. It was so creamy. She’d get it all ready and then put it in the oven under the broiler to give the top a quick-cooked crisp layer. She would leave it in a few minutes longer just for me because I loved the bubbled ‘burned’ top.
Excitement was in the air when she made this macaroni and cheese. That meant something special was going on because this was way better than the Kraft variety. Moms homemade made and cheese was the stuff dreams are made of when you are a cheese lover to the core. In all fairness, my mothers cooking was anything but simple. Even though Betty Crocker, Bisquik, Jiffy, Campbell’s and Kraft were just like family to us, my mother always made sure to add her own spin on things. She was a working lady and often the sole provider for our family. While she made a lot of stuff from scratch, there were times when she just needed a little help.
Memories of her mac and cheese flood my mind often. These days I see that glorious mac and cheese once or twice a year depending on how the holiday rotation works for the year. Even though it gives me a terrible stomach ache to eat it, I can’t help but remember happy memories from my childhood. As someone who is riddled with so few of them due to some terrible circumstances, I’ll hold on to what few I have.
There’s been times when I’ve made her macaroni and cheese myself, but I use reduced fat products and skim milk to lower the calories. The family really enjoys it. It’s a special treat now for us.
Then there was the time I stepped outside my box and created this.
One of these day’s I’ll make this recipe again. I’d love to have a new, prettier photo now that I have this radtastic photo board.
Generally, I am not too happy with eating macaroni and cheese at a restaurant. As much as I love cheese, I can’t stomach most versions of it available at our local fine dining establishments.
Until we crossed paths with Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac n’ Cheese located in the Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. Somerset is a fancy mall; very upscale. Not really my cup of tea, but it’s home to the only Lego store in the state. It’s also just over an hours drive for us so we only go a few times a year. It’s a special treat to make some new Lego people ( you can make 3 for $9.99) and pick some bricks off the wall. You can get a small or large container. The large is about $15 and we play Tetris with our bricks making sure we get as many in there as possible. And, every time we go, we always have an audience as Mr. Yum tried to teach these little kids how to do the same.
On this particular day we decided instead of heading down the road to TGIFridays, we would see what the mall food court had to offer. It didn’t take long for me to spot Sweet Lorraine’s. I thought my old(ish) eyes were playing tricks on me. I pointed. My husband gave me this look. He knew my excitement. I said, “Is that place nothing but mac and cheese?” I saw kiddos eyes light up. We struck gold.
Sweet Lorraine’s Mac n’ Cheez! is definitely not your moms mac and cheese.
Kiddo got the kid’s meal which was a half-size version of their 3 cheese blend. Mr. Yum ordered the Mean & Green Pesto and I ordered Buffalo Chicken. What wha?? Then we ordered made in Michigan soda pops. I say soda pops like I’ve lived here my whole life. I generally say pop. Never classify all pop as Coke despite growing up in the south. And soda to me is just old-fashioned, hence the soda pop. These bottles are all throwback bottles. So cute.
Kiddo is a lot like me when it comes to her mac and cheese. It has to be ‘just right.’ For her the kids mac was just a bit too cheesy for her. I know, how is that even possible??? But with a kids taste buds and multiple types of cheeses you aren’t used to eating, I guess it could be. Mr. Yum loved his pesto variety and I was thrilled to death with the buffalo mac.
I would definitely eat it again…….and again…
If you are a lover of mac and cheese, you should check out the Melt cookbook. The photos are heavenly.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy macaroni and cheese?
Mac & cheese is one of the greatest meals of all time. I could probably live on mac & cheese.
Mac & cheese is one of the greatest meals of all time. I could probably live on mac & cheese.
We usually enjoy it straight out of the box with the powdered cheese. This is a MUCH better option, I think. =D
You’re right, it looks fabulous. It’s fun to go outside the box and create something comforting and yummy
Oh boy that looks incredible. I have a simple way I found to make it and although my kids love it I find it’s lacking a lot in flavour. I think this looks sooo good!
Those look so good! The very first photo looks so amazing! I have got to make something like that! I usually like the normal cheesy mac & cheese and I love adding hot dogs to it as well.
My kids love Mac & Cheese. They must have it at least once a week. I like the idea of adding vegetables. very creative
My kids love Mac & Cheese. They must have it at least once a week. I like the idea of adding vegetables. very creative
This Mac and Cheese looks amazing. I will have to try this recipe this weekend.
This Mac and Cheese looks amazing. I will have to try this recipe this weekend.
One of the things I miss being gluten free is mac and cheese. This post has inspired me to splurge just a little 😉
That looks delicious. The kids would live off of mac n cheese if I’d let them. Will have to try some Sweet Lorraines.
Your mac and cheese really looks yummy – I always like mac and cheese – but, yes homemade? It’s the best – thanks for your post of great info 🙂
Your mac and cheese really looks yummy – I always like mac and cheese – but, yes homemade? It’s the best – thanks for your post of great info 🙂
I love homemade baked mac and cheese. My favorite is with sausage or chicken.
I love homemade baked mac and cheese. My favorite is with sausage or chicken.
We love mac and cheese. It is one of our favorite comfort foods!!
I love baked mac and cheese with a crispy layer on top! Thanks for this post. Now I am hungry!
I love baked mac and cheese with a crispy layer on top! Thanks for this post. Now I am hungry!
My kids only like Kraft. Isn’t that unreal???? I love love love homemade, and this one looks terrific.
OK…I am super hungry now after seeing the mac and cheese dish you created! It looks fantastic! Perfect for dinner tonight too – great lenten dish! 🙂
Those are some pretty cool mac and cheese variations. I have to admit I love homemade mac and cheese.
I love finding ways to change up mac and cheese!! This looks and sounds amazing!
I actually made some good homemade mac and cheese recently. I could eat it forever!
I always love a new mac and cheese recipe. This sounds like it would be a great one. 🙂
I always love a new mac and cheese recipe. This sounds like it would be a great one. 🙂
Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite dishes. I will have to try yours with the butternut squash.
Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite dishes. I will have to try yours with the butternut squash.
Can anyone ever say no to mac and cheese? I don’t think so! Thanks for this awesome recipe.
Can anyone ever say no to mac and cheese? I don’t think so! Thanks for this awesome recipe.
My kids loved Mac and Cheese when they were little but, they don’t eat it much anymore. I rarely eat it unless I go to a place known for their awesome Mac and Cheese.
My kids loved Mac and Cheese when they were little but, they don’t eat it much anymore. I rarely eat it unless I go to a place known for their awesome Mac and Cheese.
omg this really does look pretty fabulous!!! No matter how old I am Mac and cheese will always be a favorite:)
Well I’m officially hungry. This looks AMAZING. Can’t wait to make my own!
This looks delicious! I want some of that. YUM!