Homemade Mac and Cheese

Submitted by Colette



We went to dinner at "Iggy's" with some friends a couple of weeks ago and Randy ordered Mac & Cheese! He loved it, so I decided to make it for him. This does not compare to the boxed. It is a yummy comfort food.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

Serves 12 (I halved it)

8 Tablespoons butter
6 slices white bread (I used wheat) process into big crumbs
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (I used wonder flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 1/2 cups (about 18 oz.) grate sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice) cooked and drained
Sour cream or tomatoes for garnish (optional)

1. Heat oven to 375. Butter a 3 qt casserole dish; set aside. Mix bread crumbs with 2 Tablespoons butter. Set aside.

2. Heat milk over medium heat. In separate pan melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook stirring, for 1 minute.

3. While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking an whisking til mixture thickens.

4. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, peppers, and 2/3 of both cheeses.

5. Stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into prepared dish.

6. Sprinkle remaining cheeses an bread crumbs. (Top with tomatoes as prepared below if desired)
Bake until browned on top, 45 to 50 minutes.

Yum! :) I roasted sliced tomatoes on a cookie sheet, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with coarse salt, pepper, and thyme for 10 minutes-then arranged on top of mac & Cheese before baking.