Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

A very simple easy to make recipe.  This has become my daughters favorite mac & cheese recipe.  The hot sauce does not make it spicy, so kids will still love it.  I normally use small shell noodles, but you can use macaroni or rigatoni noodles if preferred.

CREAMY MACARONI & CHEESE
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*1 (16 ounce) package of small shell noodles
*1/4 cup butter
*1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
*2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
*1 cup (about 8-10 slices) white american cheese, chopped
*1 cup Vermont white extra-sharp cheese, shredded
*1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
*1 teaspoon kosher salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1/2 - 1  teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:
~Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
~Pour pasta into boiling water and cook according to package directions.
~Drain pasta and set aside.
~Melt butter in a medium pot over low heat.
~Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
~Slowly whisk in milk.
~Cook over medium heat, constantly whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles (be careful not to scorch milk).
~Remove from heat.
~Add American & Cheddar cheeses, mustard, salt, pepper & hot sauce.
~Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
~Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.