Eating a dish that brings back memories of childhood can be a comfort. Passing those recipes (and the comfort) from one generation to the next can be really satisfying. While food manufacturers make it easy to prepare some time-honored classics, like good old mac and cheese, there is nothing like making it from scratch. Here’s a recipe that can be passed down through generations.

Mom’s Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1 (8-ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard, and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2-quart baking dish; mix well.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

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