There is no telling what we will share around here sometimes. It’s all about good food. Even if it is a recipe. Like this one.
Passed on to us by the folks at the very popular Grand Lux Cafe in Atlanta. The only thing I changed was adding a little thyme to the sauce. Otherwise, enjoy.
For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
2Tbls Butter 2 Tbls AP Flour 1 Cup Whole Milk 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 cups Medium Sharp Cheddar (I prefer Tillamook) 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
For the Butter-Breadcrumb Mix
2Tbl Panko Breadcrumbs 2Tbl Butter, melted
For the Macaroni and Cheese
8oz Macaroni Pasta -Dried 1/2 Cup Medium Sharp Cheddar, grated 1/2 Monterey Jack Cheese,grated For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce · Heat the butter in a small sauce pot set over medium-high heat until the butter is completely melted. · Add the flour and whisk to incorporate. Cook until the raw flour taste has been cooked away (about 1-1/2 minutes). Do not allow to turn brown. It should remain very light blond in color. · Slowly add the whole milk a ¼ cup at a time, whisking to prevent lumps. Then, add the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil. · Lower the heat. Simmer and stir occasionally to avoid burning (about 1 to 2 minutes). · Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir to incorporate with a wire whisk until completely melted. · Season with salt. Remove from the heat* For the Butter-Breadcrumb Mix · In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Set Aside. For the Macaroni and Cheese · Preheat the oven to the “broil” setting (if you do not have a broiler, set your oven to 500°F and leave your oven door slightly cracked open). · Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. · Place the cooked and drained pasta into the saucepot with the cheddar cheese sauce. Using a rubber spatula, fold to incorporate. · Place the macaroni and cheese into a small cast iron skillet or other oven-safe ramekin or small casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the butter-breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. · Place your macaroni and cheese skillet into the oven until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the breadcrumbs. · Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven. Serve and enjoy! # # #
