Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups (8 ounce) package shedded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup half and half
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 slices white sandwich bread, torn

Set a large pot of salted water to boil.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter an 8x8 inch baking dish.

Cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cheddar, eggs, and half and half, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

Add pasta, and stir to combine.

In a food processor, pulse bread and melted butter until coarse crumbs form; season with salt and pepper.

Pour mac and cheese in the baking dish; then sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake until mac and cheese is golden and bubbling about 25 to 30 minutes.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Makes about 4 servings.

MarthaStewart.com