What's 4 dinner ? Cheese and vegetable pasta bake Make macaroni and cheese more memorable with vegetables and ham. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups rotini or other medium sized pasta 1 kg. package frozen mixed vegetables, Italian style 3 cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked ham or cooked sausage (optional) SAUCE 1/4 cup butter 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups milk, hot 1 1/2 tsp. salt to taste (more if necessary) 1/2 tsp. each of pepper, cayenne and nutmeg TOPPING 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup butter, melted METHOD 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook 5 minutes. Add frozen vegetables. Cook 5 minutes longer. Drain very well. 2. Combine with Cheddar cheese. Add cooked ham or sausage. Reserve. 3. Prepare sauce by melting butter in a medium sized saucepan. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant but not brown, for about one minute. 4. Whisk in flour. Cook for 3 minutes. 5. Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes. 6. Combine sauce with pasta and vegetable mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 7. Transfer pasta mixture to a buttered 9" X 13" baking dish or 3 quart shallow casserole. 8. Combine breadcrumbs with cheese and butter. Sprinkle over pasta mixture. 9. Bake, uncovered, in a pre-heated 350 F (180 C) oven for 30 minutes. Yields 6 servings. Preparation time: 25 minutes Baking time: 30 minutes
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