Kicked up Mac n Cheese

I love Mac n Cheese, but was soo excited to find this variation on line.

Ingredients:

~ 1 1/2 cups rotelle pasta

~ 4 tablespoons butter, divided

~ 1/4 cup all purpose flour

~ 3 cups milk

~ 1 teaspoon dry mustard

~ 3/4 teaspoon salt

~ 1/2 teaspoon pepper

~ 3 teaspoons hot pepper sauce.

~ 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

~ 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

~ 1/2 cup grated parm. cheese

~ 1/3 cup dried bread crumbs

~ 2 teaspoons chili powder

Directions:

~ Preheat oven to 375 degrees

~ Boil pasta until it is al dente

~ In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. A little at a time, whisk in milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a gentle boil stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Whisk in the pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and parm. cheese until smooth. Stir in cooked pasta and pour into a shallow 2 quart baking dish.

~ Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in bread crumbs and chili powder. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.

~ Bake for 30 minutes.

Verdict:

~ Wow! This is a great version of comfort food. It wasn't too spicy at all, but you could taste the kick in it. Brandon ate a little and didnt find it hot...so that's good :)

Menu:

~ kicked up mac n cheese

~ shrimp (for the boys)

~ bourbon chicken (for me)

~ salad