Mac 'n' Cheese

My poor Mom, who has been suffering with a tooth situation for quite some time, finally had to have it yanked out yesterday.  I have a ridiculous and debilitating fear of the dentist and am so afraid, in fact, that my brother actually had to drive her to the appointment (she was being put under) because I am too paralyzed with fear to even enter the office.  The mere thought of it, as I am writing this, makes me literally feel like I could burst into tears.  Anyway, since I felt as if I did not live up to my daughterly responsibilities,  I did want to contribute to help make the end of Mom's day just a bit brighter.  The best way I knew how to achieve this was to make her a comforting and enjoyable meal.  Since we were working with a chewing disability last night I thought of the best soft,  most satisfying, filling and supremely comforting meal I could think of, mac 'n' cheese.   

Mac 'n' Cheese
1 box small pasta (macaroni, bowtie, seashell, etc.)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 dashes hot sauce
panko bread crumbs
salt
pepper

Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the directions on the package.  Drain and set aside.  In a separate large sauce pan melt butter, add flour and mixing continuously with a wooden spoon for a minute or two.  Once raw flour flavor has been cooked out, gradually add milk and whisk continuously to avoid lumps from the flour.  When the milk and flour/butter mixture has been incorporated add Dijon, hot sauce, salt and pepper and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened.  Remove from heat and shredded cheese and stir well to combine.  Add pasta to the cheese sauce and pour into a large buttered casserole dish.  Top with grated parmesan and panko bread crumbs.  Dot with a little extra butter and bake in a 375 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes or until cheese bubbles and topping is golden brown.  Let mac 'n' cheese sit for about 10-15 minutes to "set" before serving.