Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

 Start with a large stainless steel pot and add 4-6 liters of water and a pinch of salt.  On medium high heat, bring the water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook stirring occasionally for 7-9 minutes or until soft, al dente.  Pour the noodles into a strainer in the sink to remove the water, then place macaroni in a large bowl.

You will need these ingredients for the sauce....Butter, flour, milk, cheese, cayenne, salt and pepper.

In the same large stainless steel pot, on medium heat, add the butter.  Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.  Stir in the milk and as it heats up, it will bubble and the roux will become thick as you stir.  You can add more milk or water if its too thick.  Make the consistency you like. 

 Add your cayenne, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.  This is called a White Sauce and can be used for may dishes or be the base of a cream soup.  Today we are adding cheese.

 When the sauce has cooled slightly, add the cheese.  If you add it too early while its too hot, you get gloppy nasty chunks.  If its TOO cold, you won't melt the cheese, but always error on the side of cold.

 This is what it should look like.  Smooth, creamy.  Now you should taste it to see if it needs any more seasonings.  Pour over the macaroni and stir in. 

INGREDIENTS
2 packages (1kg) macaroni or other noodles
4-6 liters of water
salt

Start with a large stainless steel pot and add 4-6 liters of water and a pinch of salt.  On medium high heat, bring the water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook stirring occasionally for 7-9 minutes or until soft, al dente.  Pour the noodles into a strainer in the sink to remove the water, then place macaroni in a large bowl.

FOR THE SAUCE
1/2 cup butter (oil will work in a pinch or to cut costs)
2 cups flour
3 cups milk (to cut costs, 1 cup milk and 2 cups water)
cayenne, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste
2 cups shredded cheese (sharper cheeses work best in this dish)

In a large stainless steel pot, on medium heat, add the butter.  Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.  Stir in the milk, and as it heats up, it will bubble and the roux will become thick as you stir.  You can add more milk or water if its too thick.  Make the consistency you like. 

Add your cayenne, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.  This is called a White Sauce and can be used for may dishes or be the base of a cream soup.  Once its slightly cooled, add the cheese and stir until smooth.  Pour over the macaroni noodles.  Serve while hot.