PW's Mac & Cheese

*ok, ok...wipe the drool away and go make this!*

Well, after seeing this post by Lauren on Lauren's Kitchen, I knew instantly what I was making for dinner tonight! I adore reading the posts on the Pioneer Woman website and want to try so many things she has on there! Get ready for some delicious, cheesy goodness when you make this macaroni & cheese...and now go on.....make it already!!! It makes a lot, so either have a large dinner party or get ready for some awesome leftovers!

Macaroni & Cheese
Recipe courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 4 cups dried macaroni
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick, 4 tablespoons) butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (more if desired)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pound cheese, grated - I used mostly cheddar and a little bit of mozzarella
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• *Optional spices: cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme - I used paprika

Directions

Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
In a small bowl, beat egg.
In a large pot, melt butter & sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.
Pour in milk, add mustard & whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup of the sauce & slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
Add in cheese & stir to melt.
Add salts & pepper. Taste sauce & add more salt & seasoned salt as needed!
Pour in drained, cooked macaroni & stir to combine.

Serve immediately (very creamy - this is what I did) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese & bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly & golden on top.