Mama'S Escalloped Mac 'N Cheese With Ham - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. milk
freshly ground pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 c. heavy cream or yogurt
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
3 qt. salted water and 1 Tbsp. oil
2 c. elbow macaroni
3/4 lb. cooked, diced ham
1/4 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese, in 1/4-inch cubes
3 Tbsp. margarine, divided
1 Tbsp. flour

Preparation

Cook macaroni by directions to al dente and drain.
Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in saucepan. Add flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add milk, whisking rapidly. Simmer 1 minute.
Add Cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon margarine in large skillet and cook mushrooms and onion until wilted. Add ham and cook 2 minutes. Add cheese sauce, cayenne pepper and cream. Cook 1 minute more.
Pour into macaroni and mix well.
Pour into 10-cup casserole dish and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 425\u00b0 for 15 minutes.
Place under broiler on high until golden brown (2 to 3 minutes).
Serves 6 to 8.