Macaroni and Cheese


(American pasta with cheese)


4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

Macaroni                                                                               230 gr
Butter                                                                                    30 gr
Flour                                                                                      30 gr
Milk                                                                                       470 ml
Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded                                         450 gr or 680 gr
Salt and white pepper                                                                       to taste


METHOD OF PREPARATION
  1. Mise en place
1.      Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain, toss with a little butter and set aside.
2.      Preheat oven to 175ºC. In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook and bubble for 1 or 2 minutes. Do not brown or burn.
3.      Whisk in the cold milk all at once, beating out any lumps. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
4.      Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
5.      In a large bowl, mix together the cheese sauce and the cooked macaroni. Pour into a buttered baking dish and bake, uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to heat through and brown the top.

Variations
·         Try using a mixture of cheeses — Cheddar, Jack, Parmesan, Gouda. Some cooks swear by Velveeta.
·         Top with extra shredded cheese before baking if you like.
·         Substitute half the milk with half-and-half for a creamier result.
·         For a crispy, gratinéed result, top the macaroni and cheese with about 110 gr of fresh bread crumbs dot with 15 gr of butter and bake. Or use crumbled potato chips.
·         Use different varieties of pasta for a texture change.
·         Stir in some chopped ham, chopped tomatoes or minced herbs (parsley, thyme) before baking. Sprinkle the top with a little paprika. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or 10 gr of dried ground mustard. Use your imagination
·         Stir in 50 ml mayonnaise before baking to add creaminess.

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