This is the way she describes it: “Simple to make, can be made ahead of time, doesn’t tie up oven space, and usually no leftovers.”
Those are the words of Jane Fussell of Calvary Baptist Church in Florence. Mike Mills is the new pastor. The church (a large one with 1,065 resident members) is in Florence Baptist Association, and Jane has been a part of the congregation for 35 years.
The dish she is describing is Crock Pot Macaroni. “Crock Pot” is a brand name, and the recipe would probably do just as well in another slow cooker.
At one time many years ago, Jane was a member of First Baptist Church, Darlington, but since then she and her family have lived in other places. Jane and her late husband Bob, who died in 1991, have three children. Their daughter, Susan Williamson, and her husband Paul have three children – Drew, Jon, and Elise – and they also attend Calvary. The Fussells’ two sons – Berry and John and their families – live in the Raleigh, N.C., area. Jane’s biggest pleasure is being with her family. She also enjoys traveling somewhat, but only short trips.
At her church, Calvary, Jane’s main work for the past 25 years or so has been with the library, which she says is larger than the usual library for a church its size. In addition to books, it has videos, tapes, etc., and is open during most church activities and on Wednesday mornings.
Mary Berry
Jane Fussell
Another Calvary member, Mary Berry, worked for a long time with the library program there, and it was she who gave Jane this Crock Pot Macaroni recipe. Jane describes Mary Berry as “a good friend, longtime member and faithful member at Calvary Baptist.” Some time ago, Mary moved to Methodist Manor Retirement Home in Florence.
“She was a good cook,” Jane said, and is glad to have Mary’s recipe, which she uses several times a year for holiday meals and when her family gathers. One grandchild always asks immediately if she has made the macaroni!
Jane says this is a good dish to take to church suppers, family reunions, and other informal gatherings because it can be served directly from the cooking pot. Jane was not quite sure about the number of servings. If you increase the ingredients by one-half, they almost fill a 3 1/2-quart cooker. To double the recipe, you’ll need a larger cooker. Don’t remove the cover while cooking.
Now that fall is almost here, we like hearty comfort foods, and none could be better than Crock Pot Macaroni. You will thank Jane for sharing this recipe with us when you are enjoying it for … Sunday Dinner.
Crock Pot Macaroni
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
16 ounces (4 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 ounces (large can) evaporated milk
1½ cups milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Lightly grease 3½-quart crock pot. Place macaroni in crock pot.
Add all other ingredients, except 1 cup cheese. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cook on low 5 hours or until firm and golden around the edges. Do not remove cover while cooking.
Serves approximately 16.