Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese

When I read this recipe to my DH he was practically drooling! Uses smoked Gouda and smoked ham. Can't wait to try! I'd never heard of cellentani pasta, but discovered it resembles a corkscrew, so I'll probably sub some rotini or fusilli. From Southern Living and credited to Heather Markowski of Rochester, NY.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb  uncooked cellentani pasta
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 1  cup milk
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2  cups  shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  ground red pepper, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package  chopped cooked smoked ham
• 2  cups  corn flakes cereal, crushed
• 2  tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions and transfer hot pasta to a large bowl.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 3-5 minutes or until thickened.
4. Whisk in Gouda, cream cheese, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper until smooth.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in chopped ham.
6. Combine pasta and Gouda cheese mixture, and pour into a lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
7. Stir together 2 cups crushed cereal, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon red pepper; sprinkle over pasta mixture.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.