HOMEY MAC & CHEESE

from the cookbook Recipes Across America

Recipe

Ingredients:	2-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1/4 cup butter, cubed 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 cups 2% milk 5 cups (20 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:	Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in 3 cups cheese and Worcestershire sauce until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni; stir into sauce. Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Top with remaining cheese; sprinkle with paprika. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings. Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min. Nutrition Facts: 1 cup equals 447 calories, 28 g fat (20 g saturated fat), 97 mg cholesterol, 701 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 22 g protein.

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups 2% milk
5 cups (20 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened.

Reduce heat. Stir in 3 cups cheese and Worcestershire sauce until cheese is melted.

Drain macaroni; stir into sauce. Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Top with remaining cheese; sprinkle with paprika. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings.

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup equals 447 calories, 28 g fat (20 g saturated fat), 97 mg cholesterol, 701 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 22 g protein.

This recipe comes from Alice Beardsell of Osprey, FL, who writes:

I also call this "My Grandson's Mac & Cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years.

You can find this and other down-home recipes in the Taste of Home cookbook Recipes Across America.