Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese

While most of us keep hoping winter's weather will soon wind down and the first fresh air of spring will take its' place comfort food is still the mainstay of our diet. Nothing is easier to make and brings back those memories of childhood winter evenings in front of the television more than macaroni and cheese with a simple salad. This crispy-topped version of the old family favourite is an easy substitute when you have run out of the standby packaged version.

Ingredients

1 1/2 – 2 cups grated cheese (see below)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sweet butter
1 cup cream or milk
Pinch grated nutmeg
Freshly ground salt and pepper
1 lb penne (or your favourite pasta shape)
1 cup dry bread crumbs
Additional grated cheese for topping

Directions

You can use up odds and ends of various cheese as long as the flavours blend. Finely grate hard cheeses such as Parmesan, aged Cheddar, and add them first. Softer cheeses- Fontina, medium Cheddar, Mozzarella-can be roughly grated or cut into small pieces.

When making any cheese sauce, use a low temperature-too high a heat and your sauce will become grainy.

1. Toss the cheese together with the flour. Set aside.
2. In a large, heavy pan heat 1/4 cup butter and milk or cream. Sprinkle in cheese, a small handful at a time, adding softer cheese just at the end. Stir mixture continuously over gentle heat until it forms a smooth sauce between each addition of cheese. Add nutmeg and season to taste.
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large quantity of boiling, salted water. Drain thoroughly and combine with the cheese sauce.
4. Transfer the pasta and cheese sauce to a 9

Comments / Notes:

From Jane Rodmell's Best Summer Weekends Cookbook published by Cottage Life Books

Robert Lamont is the Director of Catering and Retail Operations at All The Best Fine Foods. Robert works closely with Jane Rodmell, the company's President, Executive Chef David Cousins and Mario Totaro, the Pastry Chef to bring All The Best clients the most exciting take out gourmet cuisine in Toronto. All The Best Fine Foods has been a leading gourmet food retailer in Toronto since it's inception over two decades ago. Using the freshest ingredients available and no fake flavourings All The Best is the destination for all your food and entertaining needs.