Italian Macaroni and Cheese

Every time I thought about what to say about this macaroni and cheese the first thing that came to my mind was the word "grown-up". This is not your traditional macaroni and cheese or "orange mac and cheese" as my youngest calls it. The flavor is more complex, but it is still super cheesy.

Italian Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400º F.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente and drain.
3. While the pasta is cooking, in a large pot melt the butter over low heat.
4. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the flour, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in the milk. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to simmer.
6. Slowly whisk in the wine.
7. Whisk in the ground mustard, garlic powder, pepper, oregano and basil.
8. Add all of the cheeses one handful at a time, whisking until the cheese is completely melted before adding more.
9. Add in the cooked and drained pasta and stir to mix.
10. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and starting to brown.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories 590
Total Fat		26.3g
Saturated Fat		15.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.9g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		70.5mg
Sodium		438.3mg
Potassium		598.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		63g
Dietary Fiber		5.7g
Sugars		4.6g
Protein		28.9g
Vitamin A 17.38% Vitamin C 1.34%
Calcium 60.23% Iron 20.06%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Ann's Entitled Life.