Mustard Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni - 400 grams
• Cheddar Cheese - 200 grams, shredded
• Mustard - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 50 grams
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Milk - 500 milliliters
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic (if using) and cook for a minute.
3. Pour milk into the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Add salt and black pepper.
4. Gradually add shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add mustard and stir well to combine.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top with a little extra cheese if desired.
8. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until the top becomes slightly golden and bubbling.

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

• Calories: approximately 450 calories per serving (based on ingredients used)
• Fat: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams
• Protein: 16 grams (approximate values, actual nutrition facts may vary)

Dish Characteristics:

• Mustard adds a unique flavor to the traditional macaroni and cheese dish.
• The dish is creamy and rich in flavor, with a slight tang from the mustard.
• It is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a meal or side dish.

User Comments:

1. "Mustard gives this dish a unique flavor profile, really enjoyed it!" - John Doe
2. "Baked macaroni and cheese is always a hit, especially with the addition of mustard." - Jane Smith
3. "This dish is perfect for a family meal, my kids loved it!" - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use full-fat milk for a richer dish. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use skim milk or low-fat milk instead.
• Adjust the amount of mustard according to your preference for tanginess. Start with less and add more if desired.
• If you don't want to bake the dish, you can skip step 7 and simply serve it as is after mixing the macaroni with the cheese sauce.