When you want cheese...

... you just GOTTA have cheese! I've been craving cheese in a big way lately, so I've made this mac and cheese for myself like 3 times within the past couple weeks. Yummmmmm...

Awesome Mac and Cheese

1 lb pasta of your choice (I love wagon wheels/twists cause the cheese sauce gets in all the little nooks in the pasta and maximizes the amount of cheese consumed per bite)

8 oz (minimum... I do more like 10 or 12) of your favorite cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar, Fontina, provolone, or Gruyere are best)

2 tbsp butter/olive oil

2 tbsp flour

1 cup milk

salt and pepper

nutmeg (optional)

Cook ze pasta to al dente; toss with a little bit of butter or olive oil in a large bowl and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) and add the flour. Whisk it good, baby, and keep going for about 5 more minutes until you have a delicious roux (more info on that later). Add the milk, a little bit at a time, and whisk it with all your heart so it doesn't get lumpy! When you think you've whisked enough, just keep on whiskin'.

Now, lower the heat to med-low and start adding the cheese-- again, a little bit at a time, whisking like it's your job. You want a smooth, thick, creamy sauce, no? Then whisk, I says!!

Alrighty, you can stop now... as long as your sauce is lump-free. Turn off the heat, taste it and add salt and pepper until it's perfect, and a pinch of nutmeg if you so desire (you definitely should). Pour the sauce over the pasta, and stir it in until every little noodle is taking a bath in cheese. Mmmmm...

Since cheese is a source of complete protein, you need not have this as a side dish... it's filling enough that it can be a main course. I prefer a nice green salad on the side (I just toss together some lettuce/fresh spinach, some dried cranberries or fresh strawberries, some walnuts or sunflower seeds, sliced cucumbers/bell peppers, and some oil and vinegar... or you could do the more standard lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cukes, etc.), and maybe some steamed broccoli or green peas too. I loves my veggies. ^_^

Hope everybody's having an awesome summer! See ya soon kids.

Ciao!