Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

By luvmybuttonsnbows

POWER LEVEL: High (10) and Medium High (7)
MICROWAVE TIME: 19 1/2 to 24 min., total
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (7-oz.) elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups (8-oz.) grated . sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Place macaroni in a 2-qt. casserole. Add 3 cups water. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Microwave at High (10) for 10 Minutes. Stir after 5 minutes. Drain well and return to same casserole. In 1-qt. measure place butter. Microwave at High(10 )1/2 to 1 Minute, to melt.
Blend in flour and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Microwave at High (10)4 to 5 Minutes, stirring with table fork every minute, until thickened. Stir in cheese until completely melted. Stir sauce into drained macaroni, mixing well. Microwave at Medium High (7) 5 to 8 Minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. If desired, sprinkle top with paprika or buttered crumbs before serving.

Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese variation:
Omit sauce ingredients from above recipe. To cooked macaroni add 1 lb. pkg. process cheese spread, cut in cubes, and 1 can (5 1/3 oz.) evaporated milk. Microwave at High (10) 4 to 6 Minutes. Stir and serve.