Macaroni and Cheese With Ham

CrashCurran's Note:

By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion , chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1⁄3; cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 ½ cups shredded old cheddar cheese (10 oz/300 g)
• 3 cups macaroni
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumb
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook onion and ham until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in milk; cook, whisking, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 8 minutes.
4. Add mustard, salt, pepper and cayenne.
5. Stir in Cheddar cheese just until melted.
6. Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni for about 8 minutes or until tender but firm. Drain and return to pot.
7. Add sauce and stir to combine. Pour into 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish.
8. In small bowl, combine bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over macaroni mixture. Broil until browned, about 3 minutes.