Cheese, Egg, and Cream Based Recipes - Basic Macaroni Cheese

Ingredients                                                   

• 225 g/8 oz/2 cups short-cut macaroni

• 20 g/1/4 oz/3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour

• 300 ml/1 1/4 cups milk

• 20 g/3/4 tbsp butter

• 1 bay leaf

• 5 ml/1 tsp made English or Dijon mustard

• 75 g/3 oz Cheddar cheese, grated

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Extra grated cheese

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Method:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the packet directions. Drain.

2. Whisk the flour with a little of the milk in a saucepan until smooth. Whisk in the remaining milk and add the butter and bay leaf.

3. Bring to the boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring all the time. Stir in the mustard and cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Discard the bay leaf. Add to the pasta and stir well. Turn into a flameproof dish, top with a little extra grated cheese and grill (broil) until golden and bubbling.