Friday, October 30, 2009

Macaroni and Cheese

Adapted from a 2000 Oprah Magazine Thanksgiving recipe.

1 lb macaroni or cavatappi
3-4 C sharp cheddar shredded
1/2 C shredded American or 4-5 slices unwrapped
4C milk
4T butter melted
1/3 C white flour
salt
pepper
1/4 t nutmeg (optional)

Boil pasta. Drain off. Oil them a little.

While boiling water and pasta, make a white sauce:

Make a paste out of butter and flour in a saucepan on medium/medium high.

Add milk, salt, pepper and a dash of hot sauce (or cayenne). Let sauce thicken (whisk constantly). Take off heat and whisk in half the cheddar.

Put half pasta in oiled casserole (4Q). Layer on American cheese and remaining cheddar. Put on rest of pasta. Cover with cheese sauce.

Oprah says to put on half a cup of parmesan but that seems nasty, don't it? I'd do crushed and buttered Ritz crackers if you wanted it southern style.

Bake 350 degrees uncovered for 25-30 minutes.