Cook about half a box of elbow noodles - 7 oounces (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
Or you can use other shapes of pasta.
While they are cooking on the stove,
Make a white sauce. I like to make mine in the microwave, right in the casserole dish:
Melt 3 Tablespoons margarine or butter
Mix in 2 Tablespoons flour
Add Bit of salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard (or 1 teaspoon)
Stir in 1-1/2 cups of milk
Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave again and stir again.
When it starts to thicken, add about 8 ounces of cheddar or Swiss or American cheese
(I used sliced American cheese)
Microwave again to soften the cheese. Don't worry if it is a little lumpy.
Add in left over ham cubed up, optional.
When the noodles are done, stir them into the sauce in the casserole.
Then I like to top it - I butter a slice of bread, cut it into quarters or fingers or butterfly-triangles, arrange over top of the casserole. Or melt a couple tablespoons of butter and stir in some bread crumbs, top casserole
Bake at 350° about 30 minutes or til bubbly
Left overs are yummy too
You might add a splash of milk, microwave a bit, stir and microwave again.
Serve with toast or biscuits or a meat cake.
