Childhood Favorite, Just Remembered

As I'm munching on a few slices of turkey pepperoni (it's spicier than regular, you know) my mind travels back to a childhood dish invented by my mom.  It was the ultimate special treat for me and Katherine.  Come to think of it, it ties into my lifelong love of and advocacy for pizza.  The dish, you ask?  Dottie Webber's "Pizza Macaroni."

It's been years since I've had it.  As a kid, it was the ultimate "awww right!" dinner at our house, at least for us kids.  Not real sure how dad felt about it.  When I was in college, I cared for 5 little girls after school as their dad recovered from cancer and I made it for them.  But, that was a long time ago, so now, I'm relying on memory.  Of course, I could call mom, but I doubt she has it written down.  

So, here's the memory.  Elbow macaroni in a 13"X9" casserole dish.  Layered then with pepperoni, hamburger meat, cheese and sauce.  Back in the 70's, it's highly likely that she used cheddar because it was sort of the everyday staple.  And, since my mom was raising two "eclectic" eaters, she added black olives.  All this was baked and was the most excellent supper on the planet. 

Now that I'm the mom, I'm thinking about how I'd go about making it for the Vivver.  She is a sausage fan, so I think I'd brown sausage & hamburger (add garlic of course) together.  Maybe throw some onion in there during the browning.  Turkey pepperoni and black olives definitely.  I'd probably use a pasta or pizza sauce if I'm in a hurry, otherwise I'd make a simple tomato sauce with herbs.  I've learned from Neil's pizza creation that I will use a combo of mozzarella & cheddar.  But the elbow macaroni?  No change!  Sometimes fancy pasta shapes just make me mad.  Don't mess with a good thing.  

Dottie: The "Pizza Macaroni" Creator

Now that I've remembered this casserole, it's time to try it out on Vivian.  I hope (and I bet) she'll love it as much as Aunt Katherine and I always did.  And do.  I'll go one step further...I bet if I made this and took it to my sister, she'd flip her proverbial lid!  Thanks once again mom, for a fond and delicious childhood food memory!