Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Original Recipe from:  Doris Bowers-Swiger

Macaroni and Cheese is one of the best comfort foods available to us.  Aunt Doris is well known for her recipe and shared it with my mother.  A good variation of this recipe is to add some leftover ham before baking and then you’ve got a main dish sure to please.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

8 ounces Elbow Macaroni

1/4 cup Butter

1/4 cup Flour

1 teaspoon Salt

1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper

2 cups Milk

8 ounces shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 cups diced Ham (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook Macaroni as package directs and drain.  Meanwhile, melt Butter in medium saucepan, remove from heat.  Stir in Flour, Salt and Pepper, blend until smooth. 

Gradually stir in Milk.  Return to the stove burner and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat and simmer mixture 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

Stir in 1-1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese and the Macaroni (add Ham if desired).  Pour into 1-1/2 quart casserole dish.  Spring the rest of the Cheddar Cheese on top.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.