Eatwell Farmhouse Kitchen Serves 4 to 6
I love Mac N Cheese, it is one of my favorite dishes. And like many people, I am sure, I sometimes add a veg, like broccoli, to make for a one dish and healthier meal.
1 lb Elbow Macaroni, cooked per package instructions
4 TB Butter
4 TB Flour
2 cups Milk, warmed
2 cups Sharp Cheddar, grated, plus 1/2 cup or so, for topping
Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 cups Broccoli florets, lightly steamed
1/4 to 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs, for topping, optional
Save some of the cooking water either from your pasta or the broccoli to thin you sauce a bit.
Over medium heat, melt butter in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Once foamy, add the flour. Mix well, and cook until it just turns a bit golden, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Turn temp down to low and slowly add the warmed milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking in between. Once it is well incorporated and there are no visible lumps, at the grated cheese. If your sauce is really thick add a bit of the pasta cooking water or the broccoli cooking water to get it to the consistency you prefer. Put the cooked macaroni into a casserole dish, then add the cheese sauce, mixing well. Then gently fold in the lightly cooked broccoli florets. The total consistency should be quite creamy and not too thick. Turn on your broiler. Top the Mac n Cheese with the remaining cheese and some breadcrumbs. Pop under the broiler and cook 1 to 2 minutes until top is just getting a little crispy and serve!