Macaroni and Cheese

6 pounds macaroni
1 pound butter or margarine
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup salt (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 gallons milk
5 pounds cheese, cubed, divided
Buttered bread crumbs

Cook macaroni as directed, until just tender. Drain well.

Make a thin white sauce by melting butter. Stir in flour. Add milk slowly, stirring carefully, and cooking slowly until slightly thickened.

Combine macaroni. and sauce, and add 2/3 of the cheese. Spread into 5 greased 10 x 16-inch baking pans. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Top with buttered bread crumbs if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until heated through and slightly browned.

Serves about 50 people.