Baked Macaroni and Cheese I

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni - 300g (10.5 oz)
• Cheese - 200g (7 oz) (such as Cheddar or mozzarella)
• Cream - 2 cups
• Milk - 1 cup
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Breadcrumbs - ½ cup
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh herbs (optional) - a sprinkle

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the macaroni in salted water until slightly undercooked, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine cream and milk. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce until slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined with the cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter.
6. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish.
7. Top with the buttered breadcrumbs and fresh herbs (if using).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approx. 450 calories per serving (based on ingredients used)
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 16g (Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Comforting and classic American dish.
• Great for all ages, especially children who love macaroni and cheese.
• Can be customized with different types of cheese or herbs to add variety.

User Comments:

1. "This is a great dish for a family meal! My kids loved it."
2. "The cheese sauce was so creamy and delicious. Will make again."
3. "Added some chopped bacon for a little extra flavor, turned out great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use full-fat milk and cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable cream and omit the breadcrumbs that have been mixed with butter.
• The breadcrumbs on top provide a nice crunchy texture, but they are optional. If you prefer a smoother dish, you can omit them.