Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups milk

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.

3. While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

5. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.

8. Drain macaroni and add to cheese sauce.

9. Stir to coat macaroni in cheese sauce.

10. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

11. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese.

12. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bread crumbs are golden brown.

13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk.

• For a sharper flavor, use Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar cheese.

• For a crispy topping, broil the macaroni and cheese for 1-2 minutes after it has baked for 20 minutes.

Variations:

• Add 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled, to the macaroni and cheese mixture.

• Add 1/2 cup cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the macaroni and cheese mixture.

• Add 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese to the macaroni and cheese mixture.

Personal Story:

I've always loved macaroni and cheese. It's one of my favorite comfort foods. I remember when I was a kid, my mom would make macaroni and cheese for us on special occasions. It was always so delicious and creamy.

As I got older, I started experimenting with different macaroni and cheese recipes. I learned that there are endless possibilities when it comes to this dish. You can use different types of cheese, add different ingredients, and even bake it in different ways.

One of my favorite macaroni and cheese recipes is the Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese. It's a rich and creamy dish that's perfect for a special occasion. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients. I use whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. I also add a touch of bacon for extra flavor.

This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The end result is a truly extraordinary macaroni and cheese that will impress your friends and family.

Conclusion:

Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and decadent dish that's perfect for a special occasion. It's made with high-quality ingredients and a bit of love. This recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.