#3887 - Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

(by Shirley McNevich)

7oz. raw elbow macaroni
6 TBSP butter
3 TBSP flour
2 cups milk
1 - 8oz. Philadelphia cream cheese (cubed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (OR sharp cheddar cheese if you wish)
2 tsp. spicy brown mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3/4 cup 4C Italian bread crumbs
2 TBSP fresh minced parsley

Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions--drain well but DO NOT RINSE. In a saucepan over medium heat add 4 TBSP butter--melt. Slowly add flour while stirring--cook/stir until smooth. Slowly add milk while stirring. Cook/stir until bubbling, then cook/stir for 2 minutes. Turn heat back to simmer--add cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mustard, salt and pepper--stir until melted and smooth. In a large bowl add drained macaroni and the hot cheese sauce--stir to coat. Pour mixture into a 3qt. baking dish. Melt the other 2 TBSP of butter. Add bread crumbs and minced parsley to the melted butter--stir. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake at 400 degrees 20-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.