July 7th is National Macaroni Day, a joyous occasion for pasta enthusiasts nationwide to relish in one of their favorite noodles—macaroni! It's the perfect day to indulge in a delicious bowl of macaroni, whether it's baked into a creamy casserole or tossed in a flavorful sauce. Let's celebrate the versatility and deliciousness of macaroni!

What is Macaroni?

Macaroni is a type of dry pasta shaped like narrow tubes. It is traditionally made from durum wheat and is known for its firm texture, which holds up well in both baked and saucy dishes. The most common form of macaroni is elbow macaroni, but there are many other shapes and variations.

Popular Macaroni Dishes

1. Macaroni and Cheese: A classic comfort food dish made with macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce.
2. Macaroni Salad: A cold pasta salad made with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and various vegetables, often served as a side dish at barbecues and picnics.
3. Baked Macaroni: Macaroni mixed with cheese or other ingredients, then baked to create a crispy, golden crust.
4. Goulash: A hearty dish made with macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices.
5. Macaroni Soup: A soup that includes macaroni pasta, often with vegetables and meat in a flavorful broth.

Celebrations and Activities

National Macaroni Day is celebrated with various activities that highlight the enjoyment and versatility of macaroni:

1. Cooking and Baking: Trying out new macaroni recipes or perfecting traditional ones at home.
2. Recipe Sharing: Sharing favorite macaroni recipes on social media, blogs, and community boards using hashtags like #MacaroniDay and #NationalMacaroniDay.
3. Family Dinners: Hosting family dinners where macaroni is the star of the meal.
4. Cooking Classes: Participating in or hosting cooking classes and demonstrations focused on macaroni dishes.
5. Restaurant Specials: Visiting restaurants that offer special macaroni dishes or promotions to celebrate the day.

How to Celebrate

1. Cook Macaroni: Make your favorite macaroni dish at home or try a new recipe.
2. Host a Potluck: Invite friends and family to a potluck where everyone brings a different macaroni dish.
3. Share Recipes: Post pictures and recipes of your macaroni creations on social media to inspire others.
4. Visit a Restaurant: Support local restaurants by ordering their special macaroni dishes.
5. Get Creative: Experiment with new ingredients and flavors to create your own unique macaroni dish.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to make classic macaroni and cheese at home:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using), and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
3. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Combine and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly before serving.

Significance of National Macaroni Day

National Macaroni Day is significant because it celebrates a versatile and beloved pasta that has become a staple in American households. By highlighting macaroni, the observance encourages culinary creativity and the enjoyment of comfort food.

The day also fosters a sense of community and shared enjoyment, as people come together to cook, eat, and celebrate macaroni. Through cooking, sharing recipes, and hosting gatherings, National Macaroni Day honors the rich culinary tradition and widespread popularity of this classic pasta.