Macaroni and Cheese

Serving Size: Serves 6-8

Ingredients

Kosher salt

Vegetable oil

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi

1-quart milk

8 Tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

12 ounces (4 cups) Gruyere, grated

8 ounces (2 cups) extra-sharp Cheddar, grated

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 pound (4 small) fresh tomatoes

1 1/2 cups (5 slices, crusts removed) fresh white breadcrumbs

Adapted From:FoodNetwork.com

Description
This classic macaroni and cheese really doesn’t take much longer than the stuff out of the box and it’s so much better! Serve with a salad and a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Yum!

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.