Updated+Mac+and+Cheese

Gene McCracken Student Advisor and Math Teacher Future Pathways, DMPS, Des Moines Iowa

Blog: [|Gene's Jawings]

4 T. butter ¼ c. flour 2 c. Milk 3 c (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese 1 t. salt 2 c. salsa, medium hot tomato and chili, non chunky 1 # pasta – spiral, penne or large elbow, cooked al dente Melt butter and stir in flour; add milk (pre-heat in microwave). Stir until thickened. Add cheese and salt. Stir until cheese is melted. Stir in salsa. Correct seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir cheese/salsa sauce into pasta. Top with cilantro. Casserole style – put in oiled baking dish (2 qt or 9 by 12), sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 till bubbly. Can be made in advance, and then baked. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving. Options: add chopped onion and peppers when cooking pasta. Peas would be OK. Meat? Could add sliced hotdogs or diced little smokies. Substitute half Swiss cheese and add 1 ½ cups diced ham. Diced cooked chicken and parmesan for half the cheese would also work.
 * Updated Mac and Cheese**