CHEESY BAKED MAC & CHEESE

For me mac & cheese meant the food in a carton box which we kept ready in the pantry when I needed a fast or cheep supper to make. Through my children cooking I learned that there is one other level, a "high end" for the simple mac & cheese. Voila !!!

Serves 6

Ingredients:

300 g elbow macaroni

500 g spicy Italian sausage, diced

250 g aged sharp cheddar, cubed

250 g mild cheddar or Monterey jack, cubed

1/3 cup butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1.5 teaspoon crushed garlic

3 tablespoons flour

14 oz can diced tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1 cup breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a deep casserole dish.

Cook macaroni according to package directions.

In a medium saucepan cook sausage and set aside. Add butter and chopped onion. Sautee onion until translucent, add garlic and stir while adding flour to make a roux. Add diced tomatoes, cream, milk and while continuing to stir, add cheese cubes gradually. When completely melted, add macaroni and sausage. Mix evenly and pour into casserole. Top with breadcrumbs and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the top golden.

Enjoy!