Cousin Sarah's Famous Mac and Cheese

My cousin Sarah is an excellent cook.  She taught me her wonderful macaroni recipe a few years ago, and as my friends could tell you, it's become a tad famous.  I'm actually a little appalled I haven't put it on the blog yet.  Anyways, the other day I was with some friends and one of them (Zoe) told me how much she missed and was craving my mac and cheese.  Well that convinced me.  It was time for a macaroni night!  So I gathered some friends, and together we demolished the mac and cheese!

Cousin Sarah's Famous Mac and Cheese

1 (8oz) package of fusilli or spiral noodle (it holds the cheese better than elbow)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 cups good quality shredded cheddar cheese (I think I used 4 cups, whoops)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2) Cook and drain noodles according to package directions; set aside.

3)  In a large saucepan, melt butter and saute onion, until fragrant an translucent. Add flour, salt, and pepper, using a whisk to stir until blended.

4) Pour milk and cream in gradually, stirring constantly.  Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly). Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.

5) Add shredded cheese little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

6) Add noodles to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.  Transfer the macaroni to a buttered baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs.

7) Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

8) Try to stop yourself from eating the whole thing.

This picture doesn't do it justice!  This is one of those meals that you have to force yourself to stop, otherwise you'll catch yourself stealing noodles off someone's plate (sorry Kirsten).  Thank you Zoe, Nick, Erin, Leah, Kirsten, and Sophie for sharing this wonderful meal with me!  And thank you Sarah for teaching me to make it how ever many years ago!