Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Heather & Brian arrived around 5 PM from their journey to Wisconsin. Brad & Kim and Michael & Emily joined them and us for dinner. Joan purchased A-D Corky's Racks of Pork Ribs from QVC as a special entree. Joan also added barbecued chicken, macaroni and cheese casserole and brownie trifle to the menu. Tom came for desert.

Here is the tried and true recipe that Joan makes for the kids usually when I am away on assignment.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

PREP TIME: 12 MINUTES

BAKE TIME: 25 MINUTES

2 Tbsp Argo® corn starch

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional)

1/4 tsp pepper

2 1/2 cups milk

2 Tbsp margarine or butter

2 cups (8 oz) shredded American or Cheddar
cheese, divided

8 oz MUELLER'S elbows (about 1 3/4 cups),
cooked 7 minutes and drained

1. In medium saucepan combine first 4 ingredients; stir in milk. Add margarine; stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat.

2. Stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese until melted. Add elbows. Four into greased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with reserved cheese.

3. Bake uncovered in 375°F oven 25 minutes or until slightly browned.


MAKES 4 to 6 SERVINGS

BAKED HAM 'N' CHEESE MACARONI: In step 2, stir in 1 cup diced ham with elbows.