RULES OF THE KITCHEN
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Wash your hands with soap and water before you begin.
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Read the whole recipe carefully before starting. If you don’t understand any part, ask an adult to help you.
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Collect all the ingredients and equipment you need for the recipe before you start to cook
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Do one step of the recipe at a time. Do not skip steps.
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Measure carefully, using the correct equipment.
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Use the correct size of pan called for in recipe.
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Follow the times set in the recipe. If a recipe says shake for 45 seconds, be sure you shake for a least 45 seconds.
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Clean up when you are finished!
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Share your tasty creations with family and friends.
CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
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Kosher salt
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8 ounces fusilli or other short pasta
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk, heated
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1 bay leaf
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Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
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2 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
DIRECTIONS:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, 2 minutes, then whisk in the milk. Add the bay leaf, nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thick, 8 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and stir in 2 cups cheddar and the gruyere. Stir in the pasta and the reserved cooking water to make a loose sauce. Butter a 2-quart baking dish; add the pasta mixture and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar. Bake 15 minutes.