Mommy's Famous Mac 'n Cheese

This is one of the kids favorite dishes... I mix it up a bit by adding different stuff here and there like pancetta, broccoli, bacon, or green chiles.  I'll give Rachael Ray some credit for the basic recipe, but I've changed it up a bit over the years.  Here's my version:

1 box of pasta (your choice, but I use the whole wheat macaroni noodles)
1 TB olive oil (or other oil)
2 TB butter
3 TB flour
1.5 cups of milk (I use skim)
3+ cups of cheddar cheese (sharp white cheddar is the best, but any will do)
1/2+ cup of parmesan cheese
nutmeg (couple shakes)
cayenne pepper (to your desired heat)
salt/pepper (to taste)

* Heat oil and melt butter in saucepan, once melted add flour and stir until smooth, slowly add the milk stirring until thick.  Once mix has thickened, remove from heat and stir in most of the cheese until melted (leave enough for the top).  Season mix with nutmeg, cayenne, and salt/pepper.  Mix in baking dish with the cooked pasta. Top with the rest of the cheese.  Broil for about a minute until brown on the top.

*You can also pre-make this dish (skip the broil step) and pull out of the fridge and to reheat at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

** If you add the meat or chiles, mix in with the butter before adding flour.  If you add broccoli - cook and drain first and add after you melt the cheese.

Mom's Mac 'n Cheese with Greens