The Tea Shop's Macaroni and Cheese is always very popular at any time of the day with adults and children alike. Turn this humble comfort food into something special for supper or late lunch with our Ultimate Mac n Cheese recipe.

Ingredients:

60g butter
60g plain flour
1 pint of semi or full fat milk (dependant on your indulgence!)
A tea cup of double cream
1 heaped teaspoon of English mustard
1 bay leaf
120g grated mature cheddar
Nutmeg
200g bacon lardons – fried until crisp
100g blue cheese – Stilton, Dolcelatte, Saint Agur, etc.
200g fried whole mushrooms
100g fresh breadcrumbs
300g dried macaroni

Method:

Boil a large pan of salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente (about ten minutes), then drain.

Whilst the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a pan and add the flour, mustard and the bay leaf. Cook for a few minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.

Gradually add the milk and whisk until the mixture thickens.

Take the mixture off the heat and remove the bay leaf, then add the double cream, grated cheese and a good grating of nutmeg.

Return the mixture to the heat to allow the cheese to melt. Once the sauce is glossy and smooth, you are ready to assemble the dish.

Combine the macaroni with the sauce and stir in the fried lardons and mushrooms.

Place in an oven proof dish and dot with small pieces of your chosen blue cheese.

Sprinkle with a layer of fresh breadcrumbs and top with grated mature cheddar.

Cook in the oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.

Serve with dressed leaves and a fresh tomato salad. Enjoy!

Author: Tracey Hilsdon, Assistant Chef at the Tea Shop

Want to try more delicious recipes? Our Tea Shop provides fresh, seasonal food made on the premises and served by our friendly staff.