Baked Mac And Cheese

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup dry wine
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 1/2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 lb penne rigate

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 350°f.
• 2 melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour. continue stirring and cook for 3 minutes. whisk in the milk and wine thoroughly. add the onion and cayenne and bring to a simmer. add the salt. simmer until thickened, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot frequently, about 5 minutes. remove the sauce from heat and stir in 4 1/2 oz cheese. set aside.
• 3 bring water to boil for pasta and cook for about 7 minutes. the pasta should be firm but just hydrated in the center. it will continue cooking in the oven. drain pasta, stir in cheese sauce, and bake in the saucepan or a ceramic or enameled saucepan or dish. sprinkle the remaining 1 oz cheese over top.
• 4 bake for 25-35 min, until the cheese is browned. if extra browning is needed set it under the broiler, watching carefully. the browned cheese will add flavor. let cool 3-5 minutes before eating.