Family Loving-Waistline Hating Mac & Cheese

Disclaimer: This recipe is in no way friendly when it comes to the waistline. If you are currently on a diet, try at your own risk. Everything in moderation.

I make this on occasion when I really need a good comfort food and it gets the job done everytime. I'm not a chef, I just know what me and my family likes; this recipe was inspired by several TV chefs until I found a version that tastes the best to us. So here goes:

1 lb. elbow macaroni
3 cups whole milk (although 2% can be substituted for a little break in fat)
1 stick butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups + enough for sprinkling sharp cheddar cheese
Thin potato chips (I use Lays)
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground mustard
Salt
Pepper


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 13x9 baking dish or nice sized casserole dish. Boil macaroni according to package directions. (Make sure to salt the water to flavor the pasta) When the macaroni is done, pour into a strainer. In the pot, melt the butter and whisk flour into the melted butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes being careful not to let the flour brown. Slowly whisk in the milk in a slow stream. Continue whisking for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and add, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, ground mustard, salt, pepper and the cheese. Pour into casserole dish. Top with additional cheese. Crumble chips and sprinkle on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

Additional note: Asha loves this meal and it's doctor approved because she's underweight. If you have a child that needs to gain some weight, he or she will love this.