Mac & Cheese - One Of Our Favorites

Step 1: Melt butter in a heavy bottom sauce pot. Add onions and saute on low for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and caramelized. Add flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon on low-medium heat for about 5ish minutes (add a bit of extra butter, if needed).

Step 2: Slowly whisk in milk, half-and-half, buttermilk and seasonings (up through mushroom seasoning). Cook on low until thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt and additional pepper to taste. Stir in truffle oil (if using) and set aside.

Step 3: Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and add back to pot. Add the cheese sauce and mix through. Taste again and correct seasoning to your liking, if needed.

Step 4: Butter a casserole dish large enough to fit the mac and cheese. Pour in the macaroni mixture. Top with bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers and sprinkle lightly with additional Parmesan or combination of cheese of choice. Bake until golden brown and bubbly about 25-30 minutes.

NOTE: I've recently started using Trader Joe's Umami seasoning blend. It's fantastic and provides that extra level of building flavor to many dishes and especially good in mac and cheese. But, if you can't find it leave it out. There are some copycat seasoning versions on the internet, but porcini mushroom powder is the main ingredient.