When I presented a roast chicken dinner the other night, my thirteen year old exclaimed, "Oh honestly Mum, can't we have a proper dinner like other families, why can't we have macaroni and cheese?" Well, I must say I was a little taken aback, then I wondered why I was making life so hard for myself, after all what's wrong with a bit of mac and cheese? I'll tell you what's wrong with it, as soon as you've made it, it's gone. They descend on this like vultures, I was lucky to get a photo before it was seized upon. In fact you should probably double the recipe.

• 1 box of dried pasta, I know elbows are traditional, but spirals or penne seem to work fine.


• 3 tablespoon of unsalted butter


• 1/3 cup of all purpose flour


• 3 1/2 - 4 cups of milk


• 6 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, grated


• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard


• pepper


• nutmeg

• 3 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs


• 2 oz of sharp cheddar cheese


• 1 tablespoon of Parmesan

• Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta and cook until almost done, it will continue to cook under the broiler.

• Pour 4 cups of milk into a measuring jug and warm this in the microwave.

• Melt the butter in a pan with the heat turned to medium. When the butter has melted add the flour and stir. Gradually add the milk, stirring all the time, be patient. Add the nutmeg and the mustard. When you have added 3 1/2 cups, add the grated cheese and stir until melted.

• By this time you should have a smooth sauce that coats the back of a wooden spoon. If too thick, add another 1/2 cup or so of milk. Check the seasonings.

• When the pasta is almost cooked drain and pour into a baking dish. If using a 14 oz box of pasta, you may not need all of it, box up the excess pasta and put in the fridge for a quick snack with some pasta sauce later - a hungry teenager will definitely go for this. Pour the sauce over the rest of the pasta and combine.

• Mix the breadcrumbs, cheddar and parmesan cheese in a bowl, you may want to add a grinding of pepper to off set the saltiness of the cheese. Sprinkle over the pasta and cheese sauce. Put under the broiler, watching carefully until it is golden brown and bubbly.

• Attempt to let it rest for 10 minutes to set up, otherwise move aside before the stampede knocks you over.