The Best Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 lb. macaroni
3 slices good quality bread, cube (I usually use French bread)
2 3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/8. tsp. cayenne pepper
4 T. butter
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 c. grated Gruyere cheese
2 1/4 c. sharp cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Spray casserole dish and set aside. Place broken up bread in medium bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and toss with bread cubes. Set aside. In medium saucepan heat milk over medium heat. Melt remaining butter in high sided skillet. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Slowly pour hot milk over flour/butter mixture, while whisking. Continue cooking, whisking constantly until mixture bubbles and becomes thick. Remove pan from heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, peppers and 3/4 of the cheese. Cook macaroni and rinse in cold water. Stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese and all of bread crumbs. Bake until browned, about 30 minutes.

No comments: