Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Grease a 9x13 in baking dish 2. Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400°.

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 3-4 mins. Stir in the flour for 1 minute. Whisk in one cup of milk until thickened and then whisk in 1 cup more. Whisk the cornstarch in the remaining 1½ cups of milk then whisk the mixture into the pot. Simmer, whisking until the sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and 4 tbsp, Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the macaroni. Spoon into the baking dish.

In a small heat proof bowl combine the garlic and remaining butter and microwave for until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese. Discard the garlic, then sprinkle bread on top of macaroni and cheese. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Variations on a Theme: Greek Style: Add roasted chicken, feta cheese, roasted sweet peppers Pizza Style: Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, red pepper flakes, pizza seasoning and a little spaghetti sauce White Trash: Add cubed Spam, what else do you need? Garden Style: Add cooked broccoli, asparagus tips, carrots etc. New England Style: Add lobster, crab and melted butter. Mexican Style: Add Chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese.