EMERIL'S SAUSAGE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter a large casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
• Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water.
• Drain well.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, stirring, until browned and the fat is rendered.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.
• Add the onions, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of the Essence, and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes.
• Add the garlic and anise seeds, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat.
• Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat until thick, 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown.
• Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat.
• Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well.
• Add the noodles, cooked sausage and vegetables, and stir well to combine.
• Pour into the prepared baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of cheese with the breadcrumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence.
• Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.