Goal Number 37-New Recipe #2

Ruth's Diner - Gramma Claire's Macaroni and Cheese



Prep Time:40 min Cook Time:45 minLevel:

Serves:  4 to 6 servings
Recipe courtesy Erik Nelson, chef and owner at Ruth's Diner in Salt Lake City, UT


3 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
1 cup diced onion
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups grated Cheddar
2 1/2 cups grated Monterey jack
1 cup cottage cheese


For the topping:

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Cook macaroni, drain do not rinse. In a large saute pan, saute the onions in butter. Add the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk, bay leaves, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer,
stirring often. Mix the 2 cheeses together in a small bowl. Once the mixture is at a simmer, add 3 cups of cheese mixture and the cottage cheese. Stir well, remove from heat, and remove bay leaves from mixture. Add macaroni noodles to milk mixture, mix well. Pour 1/2 of macaroni mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, cover with 1/2 of the remaining grated cheese, add remaining macaroni mixture and cover with the remaining grated cheese mixture.  In small bowl mix together the topping ingredients and top the macaroni. Place into a 350 degree oven and bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes.

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Mindy and I made this after our trip to Ruth's last month and it was soooo delicious.  Today is Sophia's 5th birthday and her favorite food is mac-n-cheese so we are whipping it out again.  So excited!!!