Mac & Cheese

What you'll need:

• 1lb large macaroni

• 1/2 tbsp Better than Bouillon roasted chicken base

• 5 tbsp butter ( i like using salted)

• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 can + 5 oz evaporated milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese

• 8 oz mild cheddar

• 8 oz monterey jack

• 4 oz smoked gouda

• 4 oz regular gouda

• 6 oz Muenster ( cut into small cubes)

• chives for garnish

Seasonings I used:

• 1 tsp kosher salt ( plus more to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 3/4 tsp mustard powder

• 3/4 tsp black pepper

• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika

TIPS**

• Shred your own cheese. Don't use pre shredded cheeses, they have contain anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from melting silky smooth.

• After you shred the cheeses, mix them together so its combined evenly. Don't forget to set aside 6 ounces to sprinkle over the top before baking.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then stir in the Better than bouillon. Add noodles and cook until just shy of al dente ( about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. In the same pot over medium heat , melt butter. Add the seasonings and cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Slowly whisk in evaporated, a little at a time, until smooth. Pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously using that same method.

5. Turn the heat to the lowest setting. Add a large handfull of the cheeses at a time (sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, monterey jack and both goudas). Once the cheese has melted repeat that process. Reserve 6 oz of cheese for topping.

6. Add a little more salt if necessary.

7. Add the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce and fold in gently until well combined.

8. Pour half of the mac into a 9x13 baking dish and add most of the muenster cheese across the top. Add the rest of the mac. Top with the remaining muenster cheese, and the reserved shredded cheese.

9. Sprinkle with some smoked paprika on top. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes( make sure to watch closely so it wont burn)

10. Top with chives and enjoy!