Ingredients

3/4 cup dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 pound thickly sliced ham, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 ounces Monterey Jack, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon minced pickled jalapeno pepper (wear rubber gloves)
1/3 cup finely crushed taco chips

Directions

In a kettle of boiling

salted water cook the macaroni for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is al dente, drain it in
a colander, and rinse it under warm water. While the macaroni is cooking, in a large
saucepan cook the bell peppers and the ham in the oil over moderately high heat, stirring
occasionally, for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and cook the mixture,
stirring, for 3 minutes. Stir in the milk and the yogurt, bring the mixture to a boil,
stirring, and simmer it, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the Monterey Jack and
the jalapeno pepper and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, until the
Monterey Jack is just melted. Add the macaroni and salt and pepper to taste and stir the
mixture until it is combined well. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a shallow
flame-proof baking dish, sprinkle the taco chips over the top, and broil the macaroni and
cheese under a preheated broiler about 2 inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or
until the top is browned lightly.