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Emeril's Mac & Cheese

Source of Recipe

Emeril Lagasse


List of Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
pinch cayenne
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Essence spice


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Butter a 2-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.
Melt the remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown. Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well. Add the noodles and stir well. Pour into the prepared dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese with the bread crumbs and Essence. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.