Homemade macaroni and cheese is one of Rae’s favorite meals. She kicked up this recipe from Cooking.com

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
• 2 cup (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 2/3 cup (~7 oz) dry small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Topping:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted

Combine the first 8 ingredients (cornstarch through butter) in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Add macaroni, mix well. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of macaroni. Bake at 375℉ for 20-25 minutes.

Note: for a lighter version, omit half and half and use all skim milk (2 cups total). You can also make this side dish into a meal by adding 1 cup chopped ham or hot dogs after the milk mixture comes to a boil.