Home-style Macaroni & Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese

8 oz cooked elbow macaroni noodles

1/2 lb cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

*additional seasonings, or add-ins if desired

In medium saucepan, melt butter completely over medium heat. Add flour, salt and pepper whisking in briskly. When flour is completely incorporated, add milk. Whisk constantly. When mixture is gravy-like consistency add 1/2 cheese (2 cups shredded) reserving other half for later. Stir constantly while cheese melts- Remove from heat. Add noodles to a 2-qt casserole dish. Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir until combined. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with green salad and garlic bread.

*Some things to add to make it tastier (Add these when combining sauce & noodles): 1 chopped onion, Sautéd; 4 slices cooked, chopped bacon; 1/2 lb cooked, crumbled sausage.

Also, I usually add 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and a dash of cayenne when I add the salt and pepper.