joey tribbiani's mac and c.h.e.e.s.e

I couldn’t help myself. As a friends lover, i can’t hear mac ‘n cheese without thinking of joey’s defunct detective show. Just me?

Regardless, this is our fav.

Ingredients:

large pot of water

1 Tbsp salt

2 lbs gemelli pasta, cooked according to directions (can substitute your fav shape)

3 Tbsp evoo

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup sour cream

4 cups whole milk

1 tsp salt

6 oz block sharp reserve 5y aged white cheddar cheese, grater

6 cups grated mild cheddar cheese

Directions:

Fill a large stock pot with water and 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to directions. Strain. Toss with 3 Tbsp evoo to prevent sticking and to add flavor.

In a large stock pot, melt butter.

Slowly whisk in flour, one Tbsp at a time. Once all flour is added, add 1 tsp salt. Whisk continuously for a minute or two to cook out flour.

Heat milk to room temp. (I do microwave for 1 minute).

Add milk slowly to butter/flour mixture (roux), whisking to combine after each addition. Once combined and mixture has thickened, add sour cream, whisking thoroughly. Add in shredded cheese and whisk until melted.

Once cheese has melted, add in pasta, and stir to fully coat pasta with cheese mixture.

Preheat oven to 400.

Butter an oven safe baking dish.

Pour in mac and cheese mixture. Cover with tin foil.

Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.