Call it Macaroni

By David Glasser

Time: 30 minutes

Macaroni and cheese is a favorite pasta meal for the entire family. A dish that traces its origins in the United States back to the era of Thomas Jefferson, macaroni and cheese is a delicious main or side dish that is very easy to prepare.

As we Pause Politics, macaroni and cheese serves as the perfect reminder that all of us, regardless of ideological differences, can come together around good food.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6):

• 4 cups dried macaroni

• 1 whole egg

• 1/4 cups (1/2 stick or 4 tablespoons) salted butter

• 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk

• 2 tsp. (heaping) dry mustard, more if desired

• 1 lb. cheese (such as cheddar, jack and/or fontina), grated

• 1/2 tsp. salt, more to taste

• 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, more to taste

• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

• Optional spices: cayenne pepper, paprika and/or thyme

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook macaroni until very firm. The macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.

2. In a small bowl, beat the egg.

3. In a large pot, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Pour in the milk, add the mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes until very thick. Reduce the heat to low.

4. Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the egg. Whisk together till smooth.

5. Pour the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. Add in the cheese and stir to melt. Add the salt, seasoned salt and pepper.

6. Taste the sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! Pour in the drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350˚ for 20 to 25 minutes/until bubbly and golden on top. Enjoy!