Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is one of the fav's around my house. It is really easy and very tasty! I have to make two full recipes because one is gone by morning!!!

Sindy Mac & Cheese (Emeril's Mac & Cheese is similar but I used cheesed that most people know of.)

Servings: About 6 to 7 depending on your family.

Ingredients: "Sounds like a lot of stuff but it really is not"

6 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine, sounds like a lot but you have to have it
4 teaspoon Flour
2 cups Half and Half, don't substitute this ingredient!
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 Pepper, you can use White Pepper as well
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce, you can substitute any hot sauce
8 1/2 ounces shredded Parmesan Cheese, sometimes I will omit this and use a cup of shaker Parmesan Cheese
1 Pound Elbow Macaroni
1/2 teaspoon minced Garlic, this should not be omitted!
4 to 6 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 to 6 oz Mexican Cheese Mix
4 to 6 oz Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 or so cup of Bread Crumbs
1/2 teaspoon Creole Seasoning


Directions:
I am going to break this up into sections.

For the Bechamel Sauce:

1. In a heavy, medium saucepan melt 4 Tablespoon Butter orMargarine over low heat.
2. When butter is melted add the Flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
3. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the Half & Half. This should be done a little at a time but when I am in a hurry it all goes in at once! Cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper, Tabasco Sauce, or any hot sauce and 4 oz of Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Cover and put aside.

Preheat over to 350 degrees F.

Macaroni:

1. Fill large pot with water and bring to boil over high heat. Add salt to taste and, while stirring, add the Macaroni.
2. Return to boil, reduce heat to low and boil and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until macaroni is quite undercooked (al dente).
3. Drain in colander and return to pot.
4. Add 2 Tablespoons of the Butter and the minced Garlic to the macaroni. Stir to combine.
5. ADD THE BECHAMEL SAUCE to macaroni and stir very well.

Set aside.

Putting dish together:

1. Use spray oil such as Pam and spray a 3-quart baking dish or casserole and set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine all the cheeses except about 1/2 oz Parmesan cheese, and toss to combine.
3. Place about 1/3 of the Macaroni with the Bechamel Sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Top with 1/3 of the Cheese mixture.

*Continue this until you have 3 layers*

Topping:

1. In a small bowl combine the Bread Crumbs, remaining 1/2 ozParmesan Cheese and the Creole Seasoning.
2. Sprinkle this over the top of the Mac & Cheese.

Cook at 350 degrees F for about 40 to 45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly hot and golden brown.

Remove from oven and enjoy!!!!