Recipe(tried): Gina's Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Good Morning!

My early years were spent growing up in The Bronx, New York. So when Mom had to go downtown, "into the city", for something, we always stopped at the Horn & Hardart where they had the creamiest macaroni and cheese! My sister and I looked forward to these outings because we knew we would stop there to enjoy our treat! We were fascinated by the little boxes that would open to reveal sandwiches, jello, pudding and other yummy dishes.

I have tasted many macaroni and cheese casseroles, some have had lumps of congealed cheese ribboned throughout, others have been runny with no taste at all but the Horn & Hardart one always stayed on my mind as the creamiest and the most flavorful. Talk about comfort food at its best! A bowl of my version of H & H's mac and cheese will have you swooning. It is creamy, full of sharp cheddar taste and lightly dusted with paprika to dress it up! Tonight we enjoyed a Vegetarian meal: Macaroni & Cheese, applesauce and green beans. On a cold night, truly a comfort and a treat back to childhood memories!

GINA'S ULTIMATE CREAMY MAC & CHEESE
serves 6

1 (8 oz.) box elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
paprika, to dust top with

Cook pasta for 12 minutes or until tender and soft, drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, blend in the flour, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Using a whisk, stir until the mixture is smooth and gradually add the milk slowly. Cook and stir over medium heat until it boils. Lower heat and add the shredded cheese, a little at a time until it is incorporated into sauce.

Pour the drained macaroni into a 2-quart casserole dish and pour the sauce over. Mix well and dust the top with a little paprika.

Bake for 25 minutes.