Description
HISTORY OF BOXED MAC N’ CHEESE (From Max’s Service)
Of course, the mac and cheese many of us are familiar with comes from a blue box. Kraft, a processed food company, pioneered a number of engineering feats that, while not exactly healthy, did help feed the family. That was never more important than during the Great Depression when the company unveiled macaroni and cheese in 1937. For just 19 cents, it could feed a family of four in a time when millions were struggling to find work- and their next meal. In just a year, Kraft sold 8 million boxes.
The Second World War extended the popularity of the blue box, with many fresh foods severely limited due to rationing. This period played a role in the process of making convenience a priority for families, with fathers overseas and mothers often working out of the home for the first time; fast, delicious meals became a new priority for a nation that found itself at war and on the go like never before.
For several decades, the Kraft variety has become the de facto identity of mac and cheese, but for home chefs and restaurants, the dish has also become a source of endless creativity. From bacon to salsa, broccoli to, yes, hot dogs. Restaurants have also made an effort to cater to both those looking for hearty, sinful comfort food to a more healthful dish, with vegan cheese and gluten-free pasta options. AND roasted butternut!!
