Creamy Mac and Cheese

Steps

1. 1Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water 1 minute short of the packet time — it keeps cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
2. 2Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook 1–2 minutes until it looks like wet sand and smells faintly biscuity.
3. 3Add the milk in three additions, whisking smooth between each. Simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickly coats a spoon and no floury taste remains.
4. 4Turn the heat to low and add the cheeses in handfuls, stirring until each melts before adding more. High heat here makes the sauce grainy.
5. 5Season with mustard powder, nutmeg, salt and pepper. The sauce should look glossy and pour slowly from the spoon.
6. 6Fold in the macaroni and warm through for 2 minutes, until every piece is coated and the sauce clings without pooling. Serve hot.

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