Mac & Cheese

(Grandma Sheryl via Family Circle)

1 lb penne rigate
3/4 pound sharp cheddar, grated
1/2 pound Gruyere, shredded
1/2 cup Asiago or Parmesan, shredded
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2-quart broiler safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook for 6 minutes and then drain.

In a large bowl, mix cheeses and set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and slightly bubbly. In a thin stream whisk in milk. Stir in onion powder, salt, and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of cheese mixture.

Stir together the pasta and cheese sauce. Pour half into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a generous cup of the cheese mixture. Spoon remaining pasta into the dish and top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil and cook 3 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Cool slightly before serving.