Mac N Cheese Ala The Publick House Food

MAC 'N CHEESE ALA THE PUBLICK HOUSE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• In a pot, heat 1/2 quart milk.
• Season the milk with salt to taste.
• In a separate pot, slowly melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter.
• Whisk 3 tbsp flour gradually into melted butter to form a paste. Don't add too much flour at once or flour will burn.
• Add hot roux to hot milk and whisk together.
• Add 1-2 tbsp butter.
• Gradually add in cheese.
• Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional).
• Gently fold in cooked pasta.
• Pour mixture into ramekins or casserole dish. Important: Before you put the dish in the oven, place on cookie sheet or other vessel to prevent "unbearable" mess in your oven from boil-over.
• Top with additional cheese if you like.
• Bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.
• Broil briefly (keep an eye on it) for a brown and crispy top.
• *Note: The Béchamel Sauce (Cheese Sauce) will keep 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

RACKHOUSE PUB'S BEER-BAKED MAC 'N' CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium, heavy-bottom pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a light roux. Slowly whisk in the beer and half and half.
• Add the Brie and cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheeses are melted and incorporated. Stir in the Gorgonzola, cheddar and 1 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Stir in the pasta, taste and adjust the seasonings as desired with salt and pepper (some of the cheese will be salty and the mixture may need only a little salt, if any).
• Pour the mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Top the mixture by sprinkling over the remaining Parmesan cheese and panko crumbs. Place the dish in the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the toppings are crisp and golden, about 1 hour. Cool slightly before serving.