Macaroni and Cheese

By maredan

Ingredients

• Macaroni and Cheese
• 3/4 pound elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce or to taste
• Salt and pepper
• Topping
• 5 slices bacon
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups diced bread

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Directions
Macaroni and Cheese
Boil the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and coat lightly with oil. Set aside.
In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, paprika, mustard and nutmeg and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add the macaroni and hot pepper sauce, stirring to coat. Adjust the seasoning. If necessary, thin with a small amount of milk.
Topping
Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble into small pieces.
In a skillet, brown the diced bread in the butter and add the bacon.
If serving as an appetizer, spoon the macaroni into ramekins or onion soup bowls. Top with bacon and croutons. Season with pepper.