A creamy macaroni and cheese?

A classic recipe for a comforting and creamy macaroni and cheese... almost as easy and quick to make as the commercial boxes you find at the store! This macaroni and cheese, tasty and creamy to perfection, will delight adults and little ones ... alike!

Ingredients for four guests:

* 2 cups (500 mL) macaroni (or other short pasta)
* 2 c. to tab (30 ml) butter
* 2 c. to tab (30 ml) flour
* 2 cups (500 mL) half-half cream or 10%
* 1 cup (4 oz) of tasty hard cheese (like cheddar cheese or extra strength)
* 1 cup (4 oz) of cheese mild semi-firm (such as cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
* 1 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)
* One tablespoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank's

Procedure:

Step 1: cook the pasta

In a large pot with boiling salty water, cook the pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain well and reserve.

Step 2: making the roux

In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons to tab (30 ml) butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons to tab (30 ml) flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to avoid lumps.

Step 3: make a creamy sauce

Gradually add 2 cups (500 mL) 10% cream in the saucepan and heat, whisking constantly, for about 4 minutes or until sauce is thickened enough to coat back of spoon; Add Dijon mustard and mix.

Step 4: Add the cheese, and you're done!

Remove from heat. Add 1 cup (4 oz) of tasty hard cheese (like cheddar cheese or extra sharp), grated, and 1 cup (4 oz) of cheese mild semi-firm (such as cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack), grated. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the bacon and the hot pepper sauce; gently pour in the reserved pasta to the pan and gently mix. Makes 4 servings.