Home Made Macaroni And Cheese

There's nothing any more satisfying than a home made macaroni and cheese casserole. It's not a difficult dish to make at all, and it can be made ahead of time and put into the oven about 30 minutes before mealtime. This recipe has a little cream along with the milk to add some richness. It definitely is not a low calorie - low fat food,  but it's great for a once in a while splurge.

Macaroni and Cheese

• 3 cups cooked shell macaroni
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• salt to taste

Set oven to 350 degrees and preheat. Cook the shell macaroni, drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, add flour and whisk together. Let cook for a minute or two until mixture begins to bubble slightly. Do not cook over high heat as this will burn the butter and darken the sauce. Add the milk and cream, whisk until the mixture becomes thick. Do not boil. When mixture is thick, add 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and stir until cheese melts.  Add macaroni shells and gently stir until shells are covered well with the cheese.  Grease a casserole with butter or oil and put shell/cheese mixture into it.  Dot the top with butter and add the remainder of the cheese. Put into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from oven when cheese is just starting to brown and is bubbly. sprinkle with parsley flakes and serve.