Southern Mac and Cheese

Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

4 cups dried macaroni

1 whole egg, beaten

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk

2 tsp (heaping) dry mustard, more if desired

1 lb cheese, grated

1/2 tsp salt, more to taste

1/2 tsp seasoned salt, more to taste

1/2 tsp ground pepper

Optional spices: cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme

Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain. 

In a small bowl, beat egg.

In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Don't let it burn.

Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low. 

Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking  constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth. Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. 

Add in cheese and stir to melt. 

Add salt and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! Don't undersalt!

Pour in undrained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. 

Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and bake at 350^oF for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.