Classic Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients:
1 lb Elbow or shell macaroni
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
5 Tbsp Unsalted butter
6 Tbsp All-purpose flour
1/2 Tsp Mustard powder
3 C Whole milk
2 ea Evaporated Milk
2 C Monterey Jack cheese- shredded
2 C Sharp cheddar cheese- shredded
To Taste Salt & Pepper
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In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water and Kosher salt to a fast rolling boil.
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Add macaroni and cook until pasta is tender, but still has not reached the al dente stage. This means to leave it a little bit under cooked.
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Drain the macaroni and set aside in colander. Do not rinse the macaroni in water or anything else.
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In the same pot you cooked the macaroni, melt the butter over medium high heat.
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Add the flour to the melted butter.
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Using a wooden spoon, combine the flour and butter. Continue to cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes.
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One cup at a time, add the whole milk and evaporated milk to the sauce pan. Use a whisk to incorporate the milk.
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After all the milk has been incorporated, bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook the mixture for 5-10 minutes.
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Remove the sauce pan from the heat and whisk in the mustard powder.
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One cup at a time, whisk the shredded cheeses into the cream sauce. Be sure to allow the cheese to be fully incorporated before adding more cheese.
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Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to thoroughly coat the macaroni.
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Place the macaroni in a ceramic baking dish.
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Bake the macaroni and cheese at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until bits of the macaroni start to brown.
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Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.