Ingredients (For one greedy person) – easily multiplied up for more people.

  • 350ml milk
  • 25g butter
  • 25g plain flour
  • 100g Cheddar cheese grated
  • 175g dried pasta shapes, penne or macaroni is best
  • 1 tsp mustard (optional)
  • Breadcrumbs

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Mix together to form a paste. With the heat on medium to low, add the milk gradually while stirring to mix it it. Keep stirring and increase the heat slightly, and within a few minutes it should thicken. Add most of the cheese, and the mustard (this brings out the cheese flavour). Add some salt and pepper and stir well to melt. Mix in the drained, cooked pasta. You could eat it at this point, sprinkle on the rest of the cheese and forget the breadcrumbs. If can bear to wait, put the mac cheese mixture in an oven proof bowl, top with the breadcrumbs and cheese and bake in the oven at 180 deg C for 15 – 20 minutes. If you are going for the baked version make sure the sauce is not to thick as the baking will dry it out. If it looks too stodgy, mix in some more milk before you add the topping. For even more of a feast serve with grilled bacon and tomatoes, and even toast triangles.