Ingredients :

​

Macaroni 1/2 lb
Butter 2 T
Flour 3 T
Milk 2 cups
Sharp cheddar cheese shredded 2-3 cups
Salt & white pepper to taste

​

Method :

​

1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water till done. Drain, toss with a little butter and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350º. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let cook and bubble for 1-2 minutes. Do not brown or burn. Whisk in the cold milk all at once. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer till thickened, 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in the cheese till melted. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
4. Mix the sauce and the macaroni. Pour into a buttered baking dish and bake, uncovered for 20-25 minutes..

Variations :

* Try using a mixture of cheeses - cheddar, jack, Parmesan, gouda. Some cooks swear by Velveeta®.
* Top with extra shredded cheese before baking if you like.
* Substitute half the milk with half-and-half for a creamier result.
* Top the macaroni and cheese with about 1/2 cup of fresh bread crumbs. Dot with 1T of butter and bake.
* Use different varieties of pasta for a texture change.
* Stir in some chopped ham, chopped tomatoes or minced herbs (parsley, thyme) before baking. Sprinkle the top with a little paprika. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or 1-2 t of dried ground mustard. Use your imagination
* Stir in 1/4 cup mayonnaise before baking to add creaminess.