Macaroni Casserole with Double Cheese

Bring 6 qts (6 L) water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) salt. Add macaroni. Cook until tender- about 7 to 9 min. Drain, rinse with cold water and shake out any excess moisture.

Meanwhile, for the sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour. Cook, without browning, 2 to 3 min. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 5 min. Stir in Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, nutmeg, mustard and cheeses.

Pat peas and ham dry with paper towels. Combine with macaroni and stir in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Transfer pasta to casserole. Combine ingredients for topping. Sprinkle over macaroni.

Bake in a preheat 375 °F (190 °C) oven for 30 min or until hot and bubbling.

Microwave Method: Cook macaroni as above. For the sauce, melt butter in a 3 qt/ 3L microwave safe casserole dish on High (100 % power), uncovered, for 1 min. Stir in flour. Cook 1 min on High. Stir in milk. Cook 8 to 10 min on High, stirring every 2 min until sauce boils. Stir in seasonings. Pat peas and ham dry. Add to sauce with the well drained macaroni. Combine ingredients for topping and sprinkle over the top. Microwave on Medium High
(70 % power), uncovered, for 12-15 min.