Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I got Corningware guys! There's like a real presentable kitchen in my house right now.  It's filled to the brim with everything I could possibly need thanks to my recent bridal shower. 

I have always wanted to make a real baked mac and cheese from a recipe because whenever I do it things turn out far too dry.

Just look at that pile of cheese guys!  This recipe was intense.

Check out my kitchen helper!  I can always count on him to be exactly in my way.

Classic Mac and Cheese

Adapted From America's Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook

Ingredients

1 cup bread crumbs

8 tbsp butter

1 lb macaroni

1 1/2 tsp mustard

1 tbsp hot sauce

5 cups milk

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1. In a small skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter.  Add bread crumbs and toast, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.

3. Preheat broiler. In emptied pasta pot, melt 5 tbsp butter.  Add flour, mustard, and hot sauce.  Whisk constantly, until mixture has darkened in color, about 1 minute. Gradually mix in milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Off heat, slowly whisk in cheese until melted.  Add pasta and mix until coated.

4. Transfer mixture to a broiler safe 13x9 inch dish. Top with bread crumb and butter mixture. Broil until topping is browned, about 5 minutes.  Cool 5 minutes before serving.

I'm going to be completely honest with you guys here.  This was far too cheesy and saucy for me. I won't tell you not to make this because you might like your mac and cheese like this, ATK does state that it is a "classic." But I prefer my mac and cheese with about half the sauce. And maybe that's just what I'll do next time...