Piccadilly's Macaroni and Cheese

RE: Piccadilly's Macaroni and Cheese Post By Pelllakewi (Guest Post) (11/09/2005) I saw this recipe on television. It has become our very favorite mac n' cheese recipe of all time. Casserole Topping: 4 slices white bread, torn into quarters 2T unsalted butter, melted ____________ Macaroni: Salt 1lb elbow macaroni 6T unsalted butter 1med garlic clove, minced 1t dry mustard 1/4 t cayenne pepper 6T all-purpose flour 1-3/4 cups chicken stock (or broth) 3-1/2 cups half and half (or heavy cream) 16 oz colby cheese, shredded 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar, shredded ground black pepper Although the classic pasta shape for this dish is elbow macaroni, any small curvaceous pasta will work. 1. For the Topping: Process the bread and butter in a food processor fitted with the steel blade until coarsely ground, about six 1-second pulses; set aside. 2. For the Macaroni and Cheese: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in your LARGEST Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and the macaroni; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes (it will bake for 30 minutes longer). Drain the pasta and leave it in the colander; set aside. 3. Wipe the pot dry. Add the butter and return to medium heat until melted. Add the garlic, mustard, and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the flour -MEASURE VERY CAREFULLY so the sauce isn't GRAINY!!!- and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk; bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until large bubbles form on the surface and the mixture is slightly thickened, 5 to 8 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the Colby and cheddar gradually until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir, breaking up any clumps, until well combined. Pour into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish (or a shallow casserole dish of similar size) and sprinkle with the bread-crumb topping. (Don't worry- it will look watery and runny. It will firm up nicely when baked.) Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving. RE: Daily Thrifty Tips January 5, 2004 Post By MARIE KELSON (Guest Post) (11/09/2005) Piccadilly Macaroni and Cheese 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup all purpose flour 2 1/4 cups milk, warmed 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 eggs 2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Use a whisk and add milk, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper. Beat eggs slightly and add small amount of sauce to eggs and then add remaining egg mixture to sauce. Set aside 1/3 cup grated cheese for top. Add one third macaroni to a buttered 2 quart casserole, alternating layers of macaroni and cheese. Pour sauce all over and add reserved cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes and serve.