PERFECT MACARONI AND CHEESE FROM MARTHA STEWART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Butter 3 quart casserole dish and set aside.
• Place bread pieces in medium bowl.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter,.
• Pour butter into the bowl with bread and toss.
• Set breadcrumbs aside.
• In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk.
• Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skilled over medium heat.
• When butter bubbles, add flour.
• Cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Slowly pour hot milk into flour-butter mixture while whisking.
• Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar, and 1 102 cups Gruyere or 1 cup pecorino Romano.
• Set cheese sauce aside.
• Fill a large saucepan with water,. Bring to a boil. Add macaroni: cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until outside of pasta is cooked and inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stire macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.
• Just about now, your kitchen smells wonderful and everyone wants to know "When do we eat?".
• Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar and 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup pecorino Romano; scatter breadcrumbs over the top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes; serve.