Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 lb low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumb
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. 2

   Cook macaroni (1/2 pound= 2 cups dry) until just al dente.

3. 3

   You can use elbows for a traditional look, but try scoobi-doo-- it works well in this recipe.

4. 4

   Drain pasta well.

5. 5

   While the mac is boiling, melt the 1/4-cup butter in a large pot.

6. 6

   Whisk in the flour.

7. 7

   Over med heat, whisk until smooth and bubbly (only about a minute).

8. 8

   Stir in milk, cream cheese, salt, pepper& mustard.

9. 9

   Keep cooking and stirring until sauce is thickened-- about three or four minutes.

10. 10

    Cut the block of cheddar into half-inch cubes.

11. 11

    Add drained macaroni and cubed cheddar& combine well.

12. 12

    Pour into a casserole sprayed with Pam.

13. 13

    In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over top.

14. 14

    Dust with paprika if desired.

15. 15

    Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and casserole is heated through.