Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step by step: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Step1

  Thinly slice three cloves of garlic. Melt 60 grams (2 oz) of butter in a heavy bottomed sauce-pot. Add the sliced garlic and cook for a minute.

• Step2

  Add 50 grams (2 oz) of flour and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for a minute or two, stirring using a wooden spoon. The butter-flour mixture (blond roux) should resemble wet sand.

• Step3

  Turn the heat on to high, and gradually add 1 liter (1 quart) of room temperature milk, stirring constantly, until smooth. Bring to boil and reduce the heat. Add a pinch of nutmeg, one teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of ground black/ white pepper, a pinch of paprika and stir. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

• Step4

  Meanwhile, bring 3 liters (3 quarts) of water to boil in a large pot. Add 3 teaspoons of salt. Add 500 grams (1 pound) of pasta and cook until it is almost cooked. Transfer to a colander and drain.

• Step5

  Remove the sauce from the heat (You might want to pass through a fine sieve- for a smoother texture), add 200 grams (7 oz) of grated sharp Cheddar cheese and 120 grams (4 oz) of Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

• Step6

  Mix the pasta and the cheese sauce together.

• Step7

  Transfer to a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with 50 grams (2 oz) of Cheddar cheese and 30 grams (1 oz) of Parmesan, and with 50 grams (2 oz) of homemade breadcrumbs.

• Step8

  Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly and serve!