Apple-Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• 1 1/4 cup dry elbow macaroni (5 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cup small diced, unpeeled, tart green or red apples
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cup whole milk (lower fat milk can be substituted)
• 1 small bay leaf
• 2 1/3 cup shredded sharp white or yellow cheddar cheese (about 10 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon dry sherry
• 1/3 cup plain panko (Japanese bread crumbs - regular bread crumbs can be substituted)

Preparation

1 Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter a 11/2-quart round casserole; set aside.
2 Cook pasta in large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking; drain well. Return pasta to saucepan. Add apples.
3 Meanwhile, melt butter in medium heavy saucepan. Add onion and cook over medium heat about 3 minutes or tender. Stir in flour; cook and stir about 1 minute or until fragrant.
4 Slowly stir in milk with wire whisk. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Add bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and cook sauce for 10 minutes, stirring often.
5 Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in 2 cups of the cheese and dry sherry. Cook and stir about 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Remove from heat; season to taste with salt and pepper.
6 Add cheese sauce to pasta-apple mixture; gently stir until well combined. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup cheese and panko. Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven about 30 minutes or just until heated through and lightly browned. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving.

Source: U.S. Apple Association