tim s mac and cheese

Noodles & Pasta

Tim s Mac and Cheese

Drescription

A rich, creamy macaroni and cheese made with a blend of sharp cheeses and buttery breadcrumbs. Tim’s take adds just the right comfort and crunch to this classic dish.

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
4 slices day-old bread, torn into small pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and reserve.
In a large sauce pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine over medium heat. Add flour and some ground black pepper to taste; stirring until paste-like consistency. Add milk to mixture and stir continually until mixture starts to thicken; slowly stir in cheese 1 cup at a time until all cheese is melted.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Pour cheese mixture over macaroni. Mix well and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Place bread pieces on top of macaroni mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine and pour over bread. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve.

Potato & Leek Gratin

A mandoline will slice the potatoes quickly and to the exact same thickness, though a sharp knife will also work. Instead of burying the potatoes and leeks in cream, a drizzle of milk is added to every layer of the gratin; the potatoes get wonderfully crisp and tender, and the cheeses form a melty, golden crust. The result is a rich, rustic potato side with contrasting flavors and textures—a bit of crunch to round out the stuffing, sauces, and mashes on the plate. Reheat leftovers in the oven until crisped and warmed through, and then serve with eggs and a side of fruit for breakfast.