Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This is one of our family favorites and our baby LOVES it too. I've added our modifications in orange.

INGREDIENTS:

2 T unsalted butter

1/4 C chopped scallions (we use green onions)

2 T flour

1/2 tsp salt (I don't like a lot of salt, so I half this)

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/2 tsp pepper

pinch ground cayenne pepper (or more for a kick :)

1 1/2 C milk

1/2 C sour cream

1 3/4 C shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 C elbow macaroni, cooked (for a quicker meal - we add 2 T. water or milk to help cook the noodles, instead of cooking them ahead)

1/4 C unseasoned bread crumbs (we like it crispy so we don't measure this :)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour salt, dry mustard, pepper and cayenne. Melt butter in a medium skillet. Add scallions and saute for 2 minutes or until slightly softened. Add flour mixture and cook for 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 C cheese, and sour cream if using. Add macaroni. Pour into a greased 1 1/2 qt baking dish or 8X8 glass pan. Top with remaining 1/4 C cheese and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bread crumbs are lightly browned. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.