REALLY GOOD MAC & CHEESE

Really Good Mac & Cheese image

Provided by Nancy Allen

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 Tbsp butter
1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 bay leaf
3 c milk
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
2 c shredded chedder cheese, preferably aged
2 c elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1 c soft bread crumbs

Steps:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Blend in flour and add bay leaf; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Pour in 1 cup milk, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and is very thick. Pour in rest of milk in a slow stream, whisking constantly, until sauce comes to a full boil and is smooth. Whisk in mustard.
2. Reduce heat to low; stir in cheese until melted. Remove bay leaf; season with salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni for 8 minutes or until just tender. (do not over cook; pasta continues to cook in sauce) Drain well. Stir into cheese sauce until well coated.
4. Spoon into prepared casserole dish. In a bowl, toss 1 Tbsp. melted butter with bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and top is lightly browned.