Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese

I don't know who Chuck is, but I can understand why this is his favorite mac and cheese.  The only Chuck I know is the one who had my cell phone number before me. When I first got the phone, I was bombarded with calls, mostly bill collectors, for Chuck. People even asked me to take messages for him.  Or they would leave voice mail for him, though my announcement clearly said, "This is Rocquie" in my own voice. One caller even asked if I was his wife! What a pain. I set up ring tones for my own callers and ignored the generic ring whenever I heard it.  Then one day I had a voice mail from the actual Chuck. He had the audacity to ask me to take messages for him, then he gave me his new phone number to report his messages.  Over five years later, I will still get an occasional Chuck call. 

Be that as it may, I really like this Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese. I found the recipe at All Recipes and have made it a few times. This time, I used farfalle (bow ties) rather than elbow macaroni because it is what I had and because it is so cute.  The first time I made it, I had a few scallions on hand that wanted to be used, so I tossed them in. I liked the taste so much, I plan for them now.

Another way I strayed from Chuck's recipe is that I use fresh bread crumbs, made with whole grain bread, rather than dried bread crumbs. Also I bake mine in a 3 quart deep casserole instead of the 13 x 9 inch casserole Chuck uses. 

Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese
8 oz. macaroni, cooked until done
8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese
12 oz. cottage cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 scallions, white and green parts, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 3 quart casserole. Mix together the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, scallions, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.  Pour into the prepared casserole. Mix together the bread crumbs and butter; spread over the macaroni mixture.  Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.