Jefferson County Recipe of the Day: Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese

Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese – A delicious meal with pizazz!

Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

8 oz. elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
1 pkg. garlic and herbs Boursin cheese or cream cheese
8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese
4 oz. chopped jalapeno peppers, undrained (use less to taste)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh fine bread crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

~Preheat oven at 350°.

~Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

~Cook the pasta in boiling water following package directions. Drain and rinse.Set aside.

~In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until smooth and bubbly. Add the milk or half-and-half and Boursin cheese. Cook, stirring, until hot and thickened. Add the cheese and peppers. Cook, stirring, until cheese has melted. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

~Combine the sauce with the pasta and stir to blend. Spoon into prepared baking dish.

~Toss melted butter and bread crumbs together and sprinkle over the casserole.

~Bake for 20-25 minutes.