Microwave Macaroni & Cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1  7 oz package elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cup milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Cook macaroni as directed & drain. Melt butter in 2-quart microwavable casserole. Stir in flour and seasoning and microwave 30-45 seconds on high. Add milk and stir until well blended. Microwave 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 minutes until thickened, stirring every minute. Stir in cheese until melted and microwave an additional 15-20 seconds if needed. Stir in macaroni and microwave 5-6 minutes, stopping halfway to stir.



This is one of my favorite side dishes, because not only do the kids adore mac n cheese, but it tastes delicious, just like the oven-baked kind and it's all done in the MICROWAVE!!! How much easier can you get, I mean, really?! I usually like to give it a little golden top, so I broil it for a few minutes to get that baked look to it, and you can always add some melted butter and crushed cornflakes to the top before broiling if you like that crunchy topping. It's easy to double or triple the batch--I even quadruple it for holidays. You can make this into a one-dish meal by cutting up some hot dogs, chicken or ham and some broccoli or peas and mixing it all in. Be creative! You can easily make this more gourmet by changing up your choice of seasoning, cheeses, meats or veggies. Cooking is an art and you are the artist. :)