ingredients
serves 4
100 g (1/4 lb) macaroni
1 tablespoon oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
2 ounce smoked fatty bacon slices, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup flour
2 1/2 cups milk
pinch of dry mustard
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
method
1. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water with the oil for 10 - 12 minutes until tender.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in another saucepan. Add the bacon and onion and fry until the onion is softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the milk and bring to the boil. Simmer, stirring, until thickened.
4. Add the mustard, cayenne and seasoning, then stir in three-quarters of the cheese until melted.
5. Heat the broiler to moderate.
6. Drain the macaroni and fold into the cheese sauce.
7. Turn into a flame-proof serving dish. Sprinkle over the rest of the cheese and broil for 5 minutes or until bubbling.
