MAC n CHEESE! MAC n CHEESE! (feel free to fist pump)

Mac and cheese......the delicious, gooey, comfort food that's so yummy (espesh when ya have a hangover). I don't like to buy anything already made and you shouldn't either.  Not when it's easy to make.  Not that the orange powdered cheese doesn't take me back to my childhood, but there is no substitute for the real thing. It's soooo good, sooooo easy and people will eat it up. Guaranteed.


Pre heat oven to 375. Cook penne pasta (or rigatoni, something that will pick up the cheese)  in boiling water.  Do not cook all the way.  Cook just under al dente because you will be cooking it again and overdone pasta is just not delicious.  Drain and set aside.
Cook bacon and crumble . Set aside

The most important part is the roux.  Making a roux, though all french sounding, is easy.  It's just butter and flour and it thickens the cheese sauce.  So make a roux.  Here's how to do it.......

Melt butter in a pan over med heat . Add equal parts flour  (6 tablespoons butter  to 6 tablespoons flour). Whisk.
You want to cook the flour because raw flour doesn't taste good.  It will start to turn a darker yellow color and smell nutty. After a minute or so add your liquid. TIP ( bring your liquids to room temp or heat slightly, DON'T add cold)
2 cups milk and 1 cup cream. Cook for about 5 minutes and whisk occasionally.

Now add a buncha cheese.  ( about 4-5 cups shredded cheese. Just eyeball it) Taleggio melts well and taste amazing. Fontina is good to use as well.  Take the pot off the heat and stir.  You should have a gooey, cheesy sauce that you will be tempted to drink. No? Just me?  If it's thin add more cheese.  If it's too thick add more milk.  You get the idea. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne for a kick, paprika for a smoky-ness, chopped garlic....play, add what you want.

Dump in the pasta and the bacon.  Maybe even some cooked crab meat if ya have it or cooked lobster meat......oh god, I'm getting hungry.
Stir to coat.

Dump into a baking dish or cast iron skillet.  Top with bread crumbs. Bake until the top is brown and cheese is bubbly. Your house will smell like cheese heaven so don't be surprised if your neighbors suddenly come over.

After it's done, I like to sprinkle chopped parsley or tarragon on top and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Dig in just don't burn your mouth like I did from impatience.

DISCLAIMER: My pics suck because I had to use my iphone....didn't have my actual camera as I left it one drunken night at D and Kevin's.