Mac 'N' Cheese

Directions

1. 1
   Prep time: 15 minutes
2. 2
   Cook time: 30 minutes
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and coat 6 ramekins or a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
4. 4
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the butter and flour over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the dry milk and chopped onion, if using. Whisk in the milk gradually until mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until it bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the cheese. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
6. 6
   Drain macaroni and fold it into the cheese sauce. Spoon into the prepared ramekins or casserole dish.
7. 7
   Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Top with the crushed crackers and bake another 5 to 10 minutes, or until very hot and bubbly.
8. 8
   How kids can help: Measure macaroni; tear cheese into strips; count out crackers; crush crackers in a sealed plastic bag.
9. 9
   For grown-ups: Top the macaroni with diced fresh tomatoes, and serve with a green salad.
10. 10
    TIP: For adults (or more adventurous kids), substitute sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese