Macaroni and Cheese

• servings: 6 to 8 servings
• active time: 15 mins
• total time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions

1. WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER

Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

2. WHISK IN WARM MILK

Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

3. WHISK IN CHEESE

Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.