Dark Days Challenge: Baked Macaroni & Cheese

This Mac & Cheese is dear to my heart. The recipe comes from my sister and is my all time favorite comfort food dish. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little something to make you feel like everything is going to be alright.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of Dry Penne Pasta
• 3 Tbsp Butter
• 3 Tbsp Flour
• 2 Cups Whole Milk
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 lb Sharp Cheddar Cheese - grated

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bring a big pot of water to boil and add 1 Tbsp Salt. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and transfer to a casserole dish. 8” round or 8 x 8 square works well.

Place a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Continue whisking the roux for a couple of minutes until the flour turns golden. Slowly add the milk, half a cup at a time whisking constantly so that each addition blends in smoothly. Continue stirring until the milk thickens and leaves a thick coating on the back of a spoon. Stir in some salt and pepper and begin adding the cheese a little at a time stirring as it melts. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta in the casserole dish and toss together.

Place in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour uncovered until it gets nice and brown on top.

Serve with a side of Garlicky Kale

Sources:

• Butter – Ronnybrook Farm
• Flour – Wild Hive Farm 
• Milk – Hudson Valley Fresh
• NY State Cheddar Cheese