Mac n' Cheese with Ham and Peas...

3/4 of 16oz package (approximately 12oz) of cooked noodles. I cook the whole 16 oz package and the kids usually have the plain noodles for lunch the next day.I used Rotelle this time

~Cook according to package directions, put into a greased 13x9 baking dish.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

CHEESE SAUCE
6 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup flour
3 cups of hot milk (heat in microwave for 5 minutes, until very hot)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

~Melt butter in a large saucepan.
~Sprinkle flour gradually, whisking constantly to keep smooth.
~Cook over med-low heat for a minute.
~Slowly add hot milk, whisking constantly to keep smooth.
~Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add 2 cups of cheese, salt and pepper.
Pour cheese sauce over noodles in baking dish. Mix gently.


TOPPING
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese or mozzerella cheese (whatever kind of cheese you want to top casserole)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs or crushed ritz crackers

~Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese and crumbs on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

We had a ham for Easter....I chopped up some of the ham (and leftover peas) and added them to the noodles before pouring on the cheese sauce. It made a complete dinner. The family LOVED this version.