“Extraordinary” Macaroni & Cheese

This is a really good recipe to use when you want homemade Mac & Cheese but don't have an hour- it only takes about 30 minutes.

½ lb (8 oz) BARILLA Elbows (about 2 cups)
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. salt
3 cups milk
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated

Melt butter in a 4- quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add milk*, stir to blend. Bring to a low, steady simmer.

Add uncooked BARILLA Elbows. Cover, and continue to simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Mixture will thicken as it is cooking.)

Remove from heat. Add cheese. Stir gently until cheese is melted. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

*I cheat and preheat the milk in the microwave for a couple minutes, so it takes less time to come to a boil. 

Tip: For a cheesier Macaroni & Cheese, top with an additional ½ cup cheddar cheese and broil until cheese is melted. For and Italian twist, try substituting the cheddar cheese with 1 cup fontina cheese and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.