Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

[Trish]

 1 cup pasta, with nooks & crannies for holding the sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon chives, chopped, mostly for colour
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1
Preheat oven at 350°F.
2
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al-dente. Drain and set aside.
3
Heat the milk in the microwave, on high for 1-1/2 minutes.
4
In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add salt, pepper and chopped onion. Sauté on medium heat, until the onion is transparent and soft, but not brown.
5
Sprinkle the flour on top, and allow the butter to absorb some of it before stirring.
6
Add the hot milk in 3 additions, stirring constantly. The mixture will get thick very quickly.
7
After the final addition of milk, continue heating the mixture, on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
8
*Remove from heat* and stir in the grated cheese, chives and red pepper flakes.
9
Add the drained pasta and mix well.
10
Fold in the cubed cheese.
11
Pour into two greased onion soup bowls.
12
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
13
Allow to cool a bit before serving.

Creamy Macaroni & Cheese