Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese

To me Fannie Farmer's recipe is the only "real" Macaroni & Cheese. If you use CHEAP CHEESE you will end up with a BLAND and FLAVORLESS DISH!

Ingredients

 1(8 ounce) package macaroni
 4 tablespoons butter
 4 tablespoons flour
 1 cup milk
 1 cup cream
 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
 fresh ground black pepper, to taste
 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded good quality
 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan melt butter.
4. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
5. Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
6. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
7. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
8. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
9. Turn off flame.
10. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
11. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.
12. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
13. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.