Mac and Cheese

By mlmason

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (l0-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese. shredded
• 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (optional)
• 1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni. cooked

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH forl%. minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
WHISK IN WARM MILK Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.
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. *