Comfort Food: Three Cheese Macaroni & Cheese with TOPPINGS

So, a few months ago, my husband came back from a business trip and said, "You know, the other night we had a macaroni & cheese bar after our meeting". What? YUMMY! I did not grow up eating macaroni & cheese, not event the orange stuff that many Americans have been eating since they had teeth. To be honest, I don't think I made it often for my son, even when he said, "Everybody gets Kraft!!!"

Well, if someone would have made this creamy, salty, tart, PERFECT sauce for me when I was young, I would have been drawn to mac & cheese like an addict to CRACK! I'll be honest, I just googled "macaroni and cheese" and hoped for the best. This recipe is the best ever. Give this recipe a try. Don't be overwhelmed by the number of ingredients, it's worth it.

3-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe courtesy Costa Vanikiotis at Eveready Diner, Hyde Park, NY
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for pasta water
* 1 pound large elbow macaroni
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound white Cheddar, shredded
* 4 ounces Romano, shredded
* 4 ounces Asiago, shredded
* 2 cups bread crumbs (suggested: panko (Japanese) available at most markets)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In large pot filled with water add 3 pinches of salt and the macaroni and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and let cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Sprinkle flour over butter and cook 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms. Add cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook sauce on medium-low heat until thick and bubbly. Add heavy cream, all cheeses, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper. Cook until cheeses are fully melted, stirring occasionally.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place macaroni mixture in a 13 by 9 baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
For variations, add cooked lobster meat, truffle oil, bacon and/or garden fresh vegetables.

Add a few toppings and you've got a great meal.