Recipe: Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese (baked, National Dairy Board recipe)

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni*
4 tablespoons butter, divided use
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch ground red pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degree F.

Cook macaroni in boiling salted water in large saucepan just until tender, 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, mustard, salt and peppers. Bring to boil, whisking. Boil 1 minute.

Remove white sauce from heat and whisk in cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in drained macaroni. Pour into shallow 2-quart baking dish.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter, stir in bread crumbs and sprinkle over macaroni.

Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.

*You don't have to start with elbow macaroni. Try jazzing up this traditional dish with other pasta shapes such as bowties, corkscrews or ruffles.

Makes 8 servings
Source: National Dairy Board