Instructions:

Patti La Belle's Over-the-Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup (2 ounce) shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounce) shredded mild Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounce) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounce) shredded Monterey jack cheese
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup (8 ounces) Velveeta, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart casserole.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elbow macaroni. Cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well. Return to the cooking pot.

In a small saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of the butter. Stir into the macaroni.

In a large bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. To the macaroni, add the half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, the cubed Velveeta and the eggs. Season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes.

Serve hot.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.