The recipe is rather…duh. But the story is great!

This one comes from the original Monticello cookbook. Mr. Jefferson became fond of this dish while in Italy and brought it with him to the colonies. Since he used “white or yellow cheese,” and since yellow cheese is very uncommon in Italy but common in the colonies, we can almost say that Jefferson designed what we call macaroni and cheese. This is the dish, and he served it at formal parties.
Do you remember the line from the Yankee Doodle song about sticking a feather in your hat and calling it macaroni? This was originally an English song making fun of the colonists, who were eating well and becoming very arrogant with King George of England. The “doodles” of the colonies were now taking to eating macaroni. Just who did they think they were, eating Italian foods and arguing with the King? So the song refers to the Yankees getting a little fancy with feathers in their hats … and calling it macaroni. The colonists thought it was funny and began singing the song themselves. I credit Mr. Jefferson with this whole episode! When you serve this to your children, be sure and tell them the story.

The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American by Jeff Smith (1987)

MONTICELLO MACARONI PIE

Serves 5-6

2 C uncooked macaroni, boiled in salted water until barely tender, drained
4 oz grated cheese, “white or yellow”
1 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350˚. Mix together cooked drained pasta, cheese and butter, place in a lightly greased baking dish and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.