Baked Mac & Cheese
2 1/2 cup dry Macaroni
1/2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp dry Mustard
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 1/2 cups (12 oz can) Evaporated Milk
1 cup Water
2 tbsp Butter or Margarine
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
3/4 cup Panko Crumbs
3 tbsp melted Butter
Cook Macaroni according to the directions on the package, but cook it 1-2 minutes UNDER al dente. Drain. Drizzle with olive oil and toss it to keep it from drying. Set aside.
Combine the Cornstarch, Salt, dry Mustard and Pepper in a saucepan. Stir in the Evaporated Milk and Water. Add the Butter. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Add Macaroni. Mix well and pour into a greased casserole dish. Mix together the Panko Crumbs and melted Butter. Sprinkle on top of the Macaroni and bake @375 for 20 minutes.
*transform this side dish into a one dish meal by adding diced ham, chicken & bacon or pulled pork.
