Smoked Cheddar and Muir Glen® fire roasted tomatoes are the secret ingredients that give this updated mac 'n cheese its intense flavor.

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (12 oz)
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
8 oz smoked Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Muir Glen® organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, well drained
1/4 cup sliced green onions (4 medium)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil

Cook and drain macaroni as directed on box. Return to saucepan; keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, heat cream, mustard, salt and red pepper to boiling. Reduce heat; stir in Cheddar cheese with wire whisk until smooth. Pour sauce over macaroni. Stir in tomatoes and onions. Pour into baking dish. In small bowl, stir together Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; stir in oil. Sprinkle over top of macaroni mixture.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly and top is golden brown.

Makes 8 servings (1 1/4 cups each).

Tip: Be sure to use whipping cream when making the sauce for this decadent mac 'n cheese. Milk or half-and-half are more likely to curdle when combined with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.

© 2006 and ®/™ General Mills, used with permission.

Submitted by: Muir Glen