We asked and you answered!

What is your favorite comfort food when the temperature outside drops on these bitter, cold winter nights?

We posted that question on our Facebook page earlier this week and our readers responded. Macaroni and Cheese was the clear favorite, followed by chili and beef stew.

To help you beat the winter blues and warm up on these cold days, here is our editor Marta Gouger's recipe for Macaroni and Cheese. She says the sour cream makes all the difference.

If you wish to add ham to the dish, Marta suggests purchasing the loose ends of boiled domestic ham, often available at the grocery deli counter and an economical option if you don't have leftover ham.

Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound box of macaroni or other small pasta

8-ounce block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 tablespoons margarine

4-5 cups fat-free milk

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons bottled mustard or 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder

1 cup light sour cream

1 tablespoon parsley

teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

1 cup chopped ham (optional)

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

Pepper to taste

Cook macaroni to al dente in boiling water. Strain and rinse. Place in a casserole dish, sprayed with non-stick spray.

In the meantime, melt margarine over low heat in a large saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Add two cups of milk and stir until white sauce forms.

Add shredded cheese and spices; stir until melted. Add the rest of the milk and sour cream. Pour over macaroni. Mix. You can add frozen peas at this point.

Top with additional shredded cheese and bread crumbs. Cover and bake at 375 F. degrees until bubbly.

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