This is one of those meals that lots of us had frequently when we were children, but we've forgotten about. It has a reputation as stodgy and bland, but when a few ingredients are added it can easily be jazzed up to something flavoursome and comforting. I warn you, if you make this recipe once you will be asked to make it again! The quantities shown here serve 4.

Ingredients

• 350g Dried macaroni
• 5 rashers of bacon
• 1.5 tsp Wholegrain mustard
• 450ml Milk
• 3 tbsp Flour
• 250g Grated mature cheddar cheese

Method

1. Rinse the macaroni and cook according to packet instructions.
2. While the macaroni is cooking cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, and place in a saucepan. Cook the bacon in it own fat for 5 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked. Remove the pan from the heat.
3. Stir the flour into the bacon, until a ball is formed. Add a small portion of the milk and stir again. Repeat until ¾ of the milk have been used.
4. Return the saucepan to the heat, and cook slowly over a low heat, stirring constantly. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes, all the time stirring constantly.
5. Add the mustard and ¾ of the cheese to the sauce, and stir until it is well mixed.
6. Add milk to the sauce as required to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Place the cooked macaroni into a casserole dish and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top, and place under the grill to brown off the cheese. Serve immediately, ensuring that everyone gets a portion of the cheesy top.