The basics for this are from the macaroni that my Dad used to make regularly. According to my sister, Mom used to make it too. Maybe Dad learned from Mom. I don't know, but this has been a favourite all my life.
What you need: 3 cups elbow macaroni, about 200 gr of cheddar cheese, 2 cups milk, 2 Tbs butter or margarine, 2 Tbs flour, about 1 tsp Aromat, about 3/4 tsp white pepper, one 28 oz can of whole tomatoes, about half a stack of soda crackers, 6-8 slices of bacon, 1 cup chopped ham (optional). Slices of cheese (optional)
Preheat your oven to 375*F
What you do: Bring 2.5 litres of water to a boil in a large pasta or stock pot or Dutch oven. Add macaroni, and boil for about 9 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your preferred level of tenderness. Meanwhile - In a 1 litre size glass measuring cup, melt the butter or margarine in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds on medium high power. Whisk in the flour. Add Aromat and white pepper, and mix well. Add the milk and whisk to blend well. Cook on high power for 5 minutes, stirring after the first minute, then every 30 seconds. Meanwhile grate the cheese, and add in small batches to the sauce. After the first 5 minutes, cook on medium power until all the cheese is added, and the sauce is smooth, with no lumps. Drain the pasta, and place in a large oven proof bowl or casserole dish. Add tomatoes, and chopped ham, if using. Pour in the cheese sauce. Mix well.
Crush the crackers, and sprinkle over the macaroni. Cover with slices of cheese, if using. Add the slices of bacon.
Bake for 40 minutes to an hour.
