Five Ways with Mac and Cheese

Visit pauladeenmagazine.com for this tasty Blue Cheese Macaroni with Walnuts.

COUNTRY HAM MAC AND CHEESE

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped country ham
½ cup chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon lemon zest
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ham, onion, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet.

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour;