Mac & Cheese

Mac and Cheese is always considered a comfort food that warms the belly and the soul.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1-1/3 cups of Milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 8 ounce package of macaroni
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 package 8 ounces American Cheese, yellow, cut into strips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, or 175 degree C.

In a large pot, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a deep dish that will allow you to combine your cheese sauce and pasta without making a mess. 2 quart baking dish is usually the best to use.

In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, melt your butter, stir in flour slowly, mixing constantly until all the butter is absorbed by the flour, this is known as a rue. Slowly stir in milk and stir constantly again, until all mixture has blended and the milk begins to turn thick. Add pepper and salt to taste, then begin slowly adding your cheese, again stirring constantly until all is melted. Hint, don't just dump all your cheese into the pot and expect it to melt the same, it won't, so be patient and add cheese slowly until melted, then add more and more until all your cheese has been combined into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add extra milk to it to thin it out a bit. It will become thick again while cooking in the oven. Save a enough cheese to cover the top, best part of mac and cheese is the toasted cheese on top, right?

Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the cover cheese is slightly browned, and the sauce is bubbling. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before you serve.  Enjoy.