AWARD WINNING MAC AND CHEESE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat 6 ramekins or a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
• In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In the same pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add flour, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and paprika; mix well. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheeses and continue stirring until melted.
• Return macaroni to pot and stir until well combined. Spoon into ramekins.
• In a small bowl, melt remaining butter in microwave. Stir in crackers and mix until evenly coated. Sprinkle evenly over top of macaroni.
• Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cut top of garlic, sprinkle with oil, salt and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil and roast about 45 minute until soft. unwrap and cool. Remove the garlic paste and mash with a fork. (this will be added to the sauce).
• Cook bacon until crisp. drain and crumble. Reserve 1 Tbs. bacon fat.
• Topping:.
• Combine bread crumbs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and 2T melted butter. Set aside.
• Saute shallots in reserved bacon fat until soft. Add remaining 6 T butter.
• Add flour and cook for a couple of minutes.( A whisk works best.).
• Add roasted garlic and slowly stir in the milk. Slowly bring to a boil until thickened.
• Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and cheddar. stir until cheese is melted. Taste to check for more salt and pepper.
• Stir in the cooked pasta. Pour into a baking dish and cover top with "The Topping.".
• Cover baking dish with foil and bake 15 minute at 375°F Uncover and bake until sauce bubbles and topping has browned.