Macaroni and Cheese

When I was 10 years old the first thing that I ever cooked was Macaroni and Cheese. Now given it was Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with that great orange sauce, but I thought the first post would be great if it was Macaroni and Cheese, but a lot more kicked up you know a "modern" version. I looked at a lot of recipes, and then decided on what I wanted to do. So here it is..... Macaroni and Cheese.... my way...

1 lb penne pasta (or any pasta that you would like)
2 cups Cheddar Cheese (I prefer Tillamook Medium Cheddar, but most recommend sharp)
1 cup sharper cheese (I used an irish cheese, and I will get back to you on the name)
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot chopped
4 cups milk/heavy cream (I used 3 cups milk and 1 of cream)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Set temperature to high to boil water

2.Once water comes to a boil cook pasta for 8-10 minutes or until Al Dente

3. Chop Shallots

4. Grate Cheeses

5. In 2 tbsp of oil cook shallots until they begin to caramelize, remove from pan.

6. Put in 2 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsp flour to form a roux7. Once roux is formed pour shallots back in and slowly whisk in milk/cream, and then mix in cheese.

8. When the sauce is thick and creamy pour pasta in and toss.

9. Empty the contents of the pan into a 13x9 pan

10. Spread cheese over the top and bake at 350 for 30 minutes

11. Remove from Oven

12. Serve!!!

This dish was great!! If you like your macaroni and cheese a little bit more saucy I wouldn't recommend baking it. The consistency was a lot thicker, but delicious. I found that the shallots really added an amazing flavor to it. Please comment, and let me know what you think!!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This post I'm also putting on Hooked on Houses blog partaaaay! As I'm sure you could tell I'm hooked on cooking right now, and always for that matter. More to come soon, as I'm already working on my next post... check back soon for updates.