Mac 'N Cheese with Ham and Peas

"Here's a terrific recipe for a cheesy, warm lunch. The recipe below makes a large batch that can be frozen into small, single serving containers. Just warm up for a quick and tasty lunch." Recipe submitted by Cheryl Tallman.

Recipe Ingredients:

Classic Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Mac, Ham and Peas:
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped ham
3 cups dry elbow macaroni

Cooking Directions:

1. For Classic Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and sauté for 2 minutes. Continue to stir and SLOWLY pour in the milk. Add the cheese. Continue to stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. For Mac, Ham and Peas: Prepare the peas and the macaroni according to the package directions.
3. Drain the macaroni and peas in a colander and rinse with water.
4. Return the macaroni and peas to the pan. Over low heat, add the ham and cheese sauce. Toss gently to completely coat the macaroni with sauce. Serve warm.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Cheryl Tallman, co-founder of Fresh Baby, creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit, and author of the So Easy Baby Food Basics: Homemade Baby Food in Less Than 30 Minutes Per Week and So Easy Toddler Food: Survival Tips and Simple Recipes for the Toddler Years.