Make it Monday!

Well - throughout the past few months there seems to always be a deal on pasta, so I have stocked up on so much of it, I am now working hard to make space for the other deals that want to share space in my cupboard... and the other deal that's been beating down my door is Cheese... so since the weather is colder than normal here, I've been wanting comfort food and nothing says comfort for me than home made mac and cheese... so here is my mom's version of Mac & Cheese (makes 8 servings)

1st, in a large pot, bring enough water & salt to a boil to meet the package needs of your pasta (8 servings) - and don't limit yourself to mac elbows, rotini, shells, penne, bowties all work!

Next, in a large microwaveable bowl, melt 1/4 cup of butter (1 minute on high)
Add 1/4 cup of all purpose flour and stir well
Add 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1 1/2 cups of milk
Stir until completely mixed and microwave on high for 6 minutes

Add pasta to the boiling water and grate 8 oz of your choice of cheese (traditionally, I use sharp cheddar but this is a great way to use up lots of bits of cheese and have used mozza, jack, colby etc)

Once you've removed the bowl from the microwave, stir in cheese and microwave for 1 more minute...

When the pasta is done, drain it and mix it into the large bowl with the cheese sauce

Microwave for 6 more minutes and then let sit for 5 minutes before serving

Alternate finishes:

Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 12 minutes for a crispier crust and

• top with strips of bacon
• top with mixture of 1/2 cup bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• top with tomato slices and sprinkles of cheese
• mix in bacon bits
  

Another thought - Mac & Cheese with a healthy twist

Replace 1/3 - 1/2 of the pasta with broccoli, cauliflower or both!