Mac & Cheese w/Kettle Cronch

INGREDIENTS

Sauce:

• 3 T butter
• 3 T all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups cheddar cheese (sharp 
  is most flavorful), grated*

Noodles:

• 12 oz large elbow macaroni
• water for boiling

Topping:

• 1 cup smashed potato chips
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine.
3. Add milk, and stir until butter/flour mixture is dissolved.
4. Stir often until the sauce thickens, then lower heat to a simmer and add cheese, stirring until smooth.

Noodles:

1. Bring about 8 cups of water to boil and add macaroni.
2. Boil for 8 to 10 minutes, until noodles are al dente (done, but still firm).
3. Drain noodles in a large colander, then place them in a 9×13 casserole dish.
4. Pour sauce over noodles and stir until all is coated and even.

Topping:

1. Sprinkle chips over the top and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before eating.
3. Serve with a salad, or some simple sautéed in-season veggies.

*Hand grate from a block of cheese. Not only will this save you money, but the cheese will melt more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese tends to give the sauce a grainy texture.