Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This is the quintessential rich, gooey, ultra-cheesy macaroni and cheese--but then what else would you expect from Fannie Farmer. It's so good you'll be tempted to make it over and over, so be forewarned.

I made it with all milk and no cream, and I used a combination of cheddar, smoked cheddar, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. Wow! The only thing I'll change next time I make it is to leave off the bread crumbs on top. I know people love the crunchy topping, but I just prefer the crispy cheese top.

Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese (from Recipezaar)

1 (8 ounce) package macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, good quality
1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

In a large saucepan melt butter.

Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.

Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.

Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).

Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.

Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Turn off flame.

Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

(You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use - once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer - I generally pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.)