macaroni and cheese

***We had some leftover bacon from breakfast, so I crumbled some on top. It was sooo good!****

8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
2 Tbls butter
2 Tbls flour (all purpose)
2 C whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 1/2 C. (10oz) Cheddar cheese (Tillamook is best!!!), grated.
crumbled cooked bacon


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 2 qt baking dish.

Cook macaroni according to package.

1) While macaroni is cooking, prepare suace:
2) In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter.
3) Whisk flour can cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly.
4) Gradually add milk, and bring just to a boil, whisking constantly.
5) Reduce heat and simmer, whisking often, until sauce slightly thickens (4-5min)
6) Add salt, pepper, and two cup of cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
7) Remove pan from heat and fold in pasta.
8) pour into baking dish, then sprinkle top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon, if you want.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and top begins to brown. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.