Marja’s Mac ’n’ Cheese

Name: Marja’s Mac ’n’ Cheese
Yield: Serves 12
Ingredients: Unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 2/3 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups); 6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups); 6 ounces mild yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups); 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups); 1 pound dried elbow macaroni; 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled, cut into small pieces

January 24, 2012

This is one of the most requested dishes in my home, especially when we have children over. Instead of making a béchamel sauce, Marja simply blends her ingredients and bakes them into a rich custard that suspends the pasta. Her blend of five cheeses creates layers of flavors in this homey casserole. Marja’s always happy to bake it for a crowd, and everyone’s always happy to eat it.

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