Mac and Cheese - Revisited

This is the real deal - basic homestyle mac and cheese. Serves 4.

2 cups uncooked macaroni
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
A dash of cayenne pepper
A dash of nutmeg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your own blend (I used 1/2 Wisconsin sharp cheddar and 1/2 mozzarella)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup bread crumbs (see recipe below)

Preheat oven to 375.
Cook the macaroni until it's almost done, but not quite. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook until starting to brown, 3-5 minutes.
Stir in milk, cayenne, and nutmeg. Cook until thick, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
Turn off heat and add 2/3 cup of cheese, stir until melted. Season to taste and stir in macaroni.
Grease an 8x8 baking dish. Pour in macaroni and top with remaining cheese. Combine bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

Make your own bread crumbs!
Tear some old bread up into tiny pieces and spread it out on a cookie sheet. Place in the oven at 300 for 30-40 minutes. Remove and crumble OR crush with a rolling pin. Add a little Italian seasoning if desired.