Macaroni & Cheese W/ Sausage Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole with oil spray.

Cook sausage in a pan over medium-high heat.

Drain off grease.

Stir in optional chile paste.

Cover tomatoes with water in a microwave-safe dish and nuke on high until softened--about 2 minutes.

Drain off liquid and mince tomatoes.

Put the cooked macaroni, sausage, tomatoes and basil into the casserole.

Pour the cheese sauce over it and mix gently with a fork.

Spread the crumbs over the cheese and spray top with vegetable oil.

Bake, uncovered, until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

CHEESE SAUCE: Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly but not brown--about 2 minutes.

Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens.

Bring to a boil.

Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat and whisk in cheese.

Cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Serves 4.

From the Denver Post Food Section 11/4/94 Formatted for MM by Pegg Seevers