All About Food

Recipe of the Week

Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 6 to 8



This is by far the very best recipe I have found for Mac & Cheese. It's rich (but not too rich) and creamy and the kids (and adults) can't get enough.

Courtesy of: "The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook"

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Food processor
Large pot - More than enough for 4 quarts of water
Colander
Whisk
Broiler-safe 13x9-inch baking dish

INGREDIENTS:
Bread-Crumb Topping
- 6 slices high-quality white sandwich bread, torn into quarters
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

Pasta and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 5 cups milk
Whole, low-fat, and skim all work well
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)

For the bread crumbs: Pulse the bread and butter in a food processor until coarsely ground, 10 to 12 pulses. Set aside

For the pasta and cheese: Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of the salt and the macaroni and stir to separate the noodles. Cook until tender, drain, and set aside. It is crucial to cook the pasta until tender - that is, just past the al dente stage.

In the now-empty pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour, mustard, cayenne (if using), and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and whisk well to combine. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, gradually add the milk; bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly (the mixture must reach a full boil to fully thicken), then reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the cheeses until fully melted, Add the pasta and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is steaming and heated through, about 6 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a broiler-safe 13 by 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the bread crumbs. Broil until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then serve.