Macaroni and Blue Cheese
 
4 cups dried macaroni
3 ⅔ cups milk
4 tbsps butter
6 tbsps all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
8 oz blue cheese, crumbled
ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 12x9-inch backing dish.

2. Cook the macaroni in plenty of salted boiling water according to the instructions on the package, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in a large bowl and set aside until required.
3. In another pan, bring the milk to a boil and set aside.

4. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 5 minutes, whisking continuously. Be careful not to let the mixture brown.

5. Remove from the heat and whisk the hot milk into the butter and flour mixture. When smoothly blended, return to medium heat and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thick. Add the salt.

6. Add the sauce to the macaroni. Add three-quarters of the crumbled blue cheese and stir well. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface. Bake for 25 minutes, until bubbling hot.

8. If desired, lightly brown the top of the macaroni and cheese under a preheat broiler for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot, sprinkled with ground black pepper to taste.

     Serves 6.