Easy “mac” and cheese

 So, this is a simple, easy to do recipe, that’s a great comfort food. For this, you will need: 

Tools: 

• 2 pots (1 big, 1 medium) 
• a colander (to drain the pasta) 
• a good stirring spoon 
• a whisk 
• a cheese grater 

Ingredients: 

• 2 lbs of pasta. Classically, use macaroni. I used fusilli, because that’s what was available. I’ve done this with at least 2 other kinds of pasta. Basically, whatever is available and floats your boat. 
• 3/4 stick of butter 
• 1 cup of flour 
• 12-16 oz of chicken stock, white wine, or water - your choice 
• 1/2 lb of gruyere cheese 
• 1/4 lb of sharp/extra sharp cheddar 
• 1/4 lb of swiss cheese 
• 1-2 tablespoons of nutmeg 
• salt and pepper to taste 

Additives: 

• - 1/2 lb of chopped ham 
• ~ 1/2 lb of cooked bacon 
• peas 
• BBQ bits 
• anything else that catches your fancy 

Instructions: 

1. Bring ~1 gallon of water to a boil. I throw a small amount of salt in my pasta water (say 1/2 teaspoon - basically “a dash”), then add the pasta. 

2. Cook the pasta till done, then drain and return to the big pot. 

3. While the pasta is cooking, grate ALL of the cheese. 

4. Using the medium pot, melt the (chopped up) butter over medium high heat. 

5. Add the flour to the butter about 2-3 tablespoons at a time. Whisk the two together. You should wind up with a thin paste when you are done, BUT... add a small amount of chicken stock if it gets too thick. What you’re making is a roux (go here if you have any questions: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/how-to-make-a-roux/) 

6. Add the rest of the chicken stock, ~2-3 tablespoons at a time. Whisk it into the roux and gradually thin it out into a sauce (this is a bechamel). How much liquid determines how thin your sauce is. In our case, we want it fairly thin. 

7. Once you’ve added all the liquid, work in the cheese. I usually add one big handful at a time, letting that melt, whisking it all the way in, then adding more. 

8. Once you’ve melted ALL the cheese in, pour it over the (drained, see above) pasta, add your additives, and plate. 

9. Serve immediately, and it will be nice and cozy warm. 

This quantity will make enough to serve 6-8 people. Whatever’s left over, you can containerize or bag, and it will keep and reheat in a microwave. Edit: You can cut the quantities in half easily.