Kids' First Mac & Cheese Recipe

Cook and drain elbow macaroni and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350° and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a large casserole dish with butter. Now have your child spoon a third of the pasta into the pan, then pour in 1 cup of the half-and-half and cover it all with 4 to 6 slices of American cheese. Add two more layers of pasta, half-and-half, and cheese in the same manner. Next, crush a dozen Ritz crackers in a Ziploc plastic bag. Add the salt, pepper, and paprika, shake to mix, then sprinkle the crumbs over the top layer of pasta and cheese. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6 to 8.