City Bakery Macaroni And Cheese Food

CITY HALL MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°; butter a 13x9 inch baking dish.
• Bring 6 quarts of salted water to boiling; add in the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, 9-10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• In a large saucepan, combine the cream, milk, cayenne, and nutmeg over medium-high heat; reduce by half (the author says about 15 minutes but I don't know); once the mixture starts to simmer, stir to break the layer of foam so that it will not boil over.
• Lower heat to medium-low; add in the American and Monterey Jack cheeses; whisk until well blended.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the penne to the sauce; stir vigorously (taking care not to break the pasta); this will release starch and help thicken the sauce.
• Transfer mixture to the baking dish; combine the panko, parsley, and parmesan; sprinkle over the pasta.
• Bake 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

CITY BAKERY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°; lightly butter a 3 1/2 quart casserole dish or a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the crumbs in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown; set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling; cook the macaroni al dente (8-10 minutes); drain macaroni; then place in a large bowl.
• Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over med-high heat.
• In a medium saucepan over med-low heat, melt the 6 tablespoons butter; add in the flour; mix well using a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
• Whisk in hot milk and continue whisking until smooth.
• Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the spoon.
• Season with salt and pepper; strain through a fine strainer.
• Add the sauce to the macaroni; add in 1 cup each: Gruyere, Cheddar, add Grana Padano; stir to mix well.
• Taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed.
• Pour the macaroni mixture into the casserole dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Sprinkle the toasted cornbread crumbs evenly over the casserole.
• Cover with foil; bake on the middle shelf about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Remove foil and continue baking about 10 minutes or until top is golden brown.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.