The Ultimate Mac and Cheese

I realized I forgot to add this once I published the post ;) It was just a note on how to make Ritz cracker crumbs. Put a handful in a heavy duty Ziplock baggy, and pound the bag with a rolling pin. Easy-peasy!

B :)

Hello!

For real, guys, this is the last recipe you will ever need for homemade mac and cheese. It is tied with frozen yogurt for my favorite food, which is a big honor, because fro-yo and I are BFF’s :) Crispy and sprinkled with bread crumbs {or Ritz crackers, if you want to be less sophisticated. Not like I do that…} on top, and mixed with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a hint of nutmeg on the inside, this is a classic, comforting meal. This is nowhere near a healthy dinner, {with all that cheese, how could it be?} but every once and while, I think it’s okay to indulge. If you want to add a healthier element, try slicing three to four tomatoes and arranging them on top before putting it into the oven. This specific mac and cheese actually tastes just as good heated up, so there’s no need to worry about the amount of servings. When that craving for comfort food kicks in, I know right were to turn to.

Mac and Cheese Adapted from Ina Garten

ingredients 

• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• about 4 cups milk
• 6 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups {12 ounces} Gruyere, grated
• 2 cups {8 ounces} extra sharp Cheddar, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup breadcrumbs/Ritz cracker crumbs *See note above {BTW, it is totally optional}

to make

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Drizzle oil into a pot of boiling salted water.
3. Add macaroni to the pot and cook according to the package. Drain.
4. Meanwhile, heat, but don’t boil, milk in a saucepan.
5. In a large pot, melt six tablespoons of butter. Mix in the flour with a whisk. Cook over low heat for about two minutes.
6. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for another minute. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
7. Off the heat, add the cheeses, black pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Now, add the cooked macaroni to the pot.
9. Por mixture into a 3-quart baking dish.
10. Melt the two tablespoons of butter, and combine them with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle on top of the mixture.
11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
12. Delicious!

Bella :)