Macaroni and Cheese
LoveThatFood
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Tips: If you prefer less spice, you can omit the cayenne pepper and reduce ground pepper to desired amount (though pepper amounts are already minimal).
Suggestion: Serve as a side dish with most any main course, along with a salad or vegetable.
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk, warmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 dash hot pepper sauce
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 lb. pasta
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled into bits
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F.

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and pour into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and set aside near stove. Melt butter in a medium saucepan, then add flour and whisk until thoroughly blended (about 1 minute). Add the warmed milk and whisk over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue to stir until slightly thickened. Add pre-mixed spices, hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce while continuing to stir. Add cheese and stir until melted.

Pour cheese sauce over pasta in mixing bowl and toss until combined. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle bacon pieces then Parmesan evenly over top. Bake for 35 minutes or until top is beginning to brown and casserole is bubbly.