Comfort Food

We are currently buried under about 2 feet of snow!!  So what better thing to make than comfort food, and mac and cheese is at the top of that list for me.  I don't think I have ever tried the same recipe twice for mac and cheese.  But this is one that I just kind of "winged" and I will definitely be making this again!!

Mac and Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni- cook, drain and return to pot

4 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
4 cups of whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
salt and pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter


Heat oven to 375 and grease a large covered casserole dish (I prefer a square casserole dish for this).  Set aside.

In a large saucepan (non stick works best) melt butter over low heat.  Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring until the butter and flour mix together to form a white sauce, about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.

In a small saucepan bring 4 cups of milk with 1/2 teaspoon salt added to a boil.  Immediately pour into white sauce and whisk together.  Place pan over high heat and whisk until mixture comes to a boil.  Boil for one minute while stirring.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce heat to low and add in cheeses.  Stir to combine.  Remove from heat. 

Pour cheese mixture into the macaroni and stir to coat.  Pour into greased casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs.  Dot with the 2 tablespoons of butter.

Place in oven for 25 minutes with cover.  Remove cover and cook for 5-10 more minutes.