Mac and Cheese Directions

I love mac and cheese  -  let's start off there.  When I'm in the hospital, my favorite thing to order is mac and cheese.  While growing up my mom would make it occasionally with velveeta cheese, unlike the stories of my sister saying she used to make the box mix.  I never tried the box until I was grown up and wondered why I missed out on this.  So I made the box for my family every now and again but I really hated cooking the pasta first and then mixing in the butter, milk and packet.  I guess I don't have a problem with cooking pasta but I felt it was too much trouble for a side dish.  Anyway, years ago I found microwave directions on a box of mac and cheese.  It said to put the uncooked pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 3/4 c. of hot water.  Cook on high for about 10 min., stirring every 3 min.  The water gets boiled up with the pasta so there's no draining.  This works great and I've used it since.  Then last night I was making a box of mac and cheese (pizza flavored which wasn't the greatest) and found stovetop directions.  In a saucepan, mix 1 c. each of water and milk, 4 T. of butter and whatever is in the box, including sauce packet.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 min. until pasta is cooked and sauce is thick and creamy.  This also worked great but there was the need to stir so it wouldn't stick in the pan.  I guess I just couldn't get past that pizza flavor.  I think I still like the microwave directions the best but it does give me an alternative if the microwave is not an option. As far as my all time favorite mac and cheese recipe goes I have to mention the Recipe Starter cheese sauce.  We find this at Sharp Shopper for .50 and it is the best with bacon.  You still have to cook your pasta but then you add cheddar and velveeta cheeses plus some milk and bacon to the sauce and bake it. It has the best cheesy taste and the bacon sends it over the top.    Hope this helps someone.