- Toasted Bread Crumbs:
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs from French or Italian bread
- 1 pinch table salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard dissolved in
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 ounces sharp Cheddar, American or Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix bread crumb ingredients together in small baking pan. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes; set aside.
- Meanwhile, mix eggs, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, pepper sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, pepper, and mustard mixture in small bowl; set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 quarts water to boil in large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and macaroni; cook until almost tender, but still a little firm to the bite. Drain and return to pan over low heat. Add butter; toss to melt.
- Pour egg mixture over buttered noodles along with three-quarters of the cheese; stir until thoroughly combined and cheese starts to melt. Gradually add remaining milk and cheese, stirring constantly, until mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately topped with toasted bread crumbs.