Broccoli and Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Ahhh, the ultimate comfort food.  The M&C is one of Mr. Piglet's favorite dishes and after a disappointing dining experience at a local eatery that is supposed to specialize in the stuff, I decided to try and make my own.  After all, homemade is supposed to be better, right?  It started innocently enough as some boxed organic stuff from Trader Joe's but I found it quite unsatisfying and lacking in the taste department so I've moved on.  Scratch it is!!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni or rotini (any pasta that will hold a thick sauce.  I also used whole wheat - It's not as pretty, doesn't taste as good but is healthier)
• 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/3 cup milk
• 6 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz pepper jack cheese, grated
• Optional: 2 slices of cooked bacon, broken into little pieces
• Salt to taste

Directions:
1.  If using frozen broccoli, cook according to the microwave instructions on the bag.  If using fresh broccoli, use our blanching technique to cook them so it keeps the colour.

2.  Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.   Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the instructions on the packaging until al dente.  Drain and set aside.  Don't put that pot away - we'll be using it later to mix everything together.
3.  Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add flour and whisk to form a paste (called a roux).  Cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in milk while whisking briskly to remove any lumps.
4.  Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a slightly thick sauce.  Remove from heat and whisk in both cheeses.
5.  After cheese has been incorporated, add bacon as desired - there isn't much here since we want the cheese to shine, not the bacon.  Add salt to taste.
6.  Add drained macaroni and broccoli back to the pot the macaroni was cooking in.  Pour cheese sauce over the mac and broccoli mixture and stir to combine.
7.  Eat and enjoy!

(adapted from a recipe available on the Craving Chronicles)