Serves 4-6
Ingredients
1 pound medium shell macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup unbleached white flour
2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons white pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
¾ cup fresh marjoram, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Cook until al dente. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat, melt butter and then add flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, then decrease heat to medium to bring to a simmer, continuing to whisk. The mixture will begin to thicken. Then, add cheese and continue to whisk until melted, about 6-8 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir well and take off heat. Add the tomatoes and marjoram, stir well. Add the pasta to the melted cheese and the fresh herbs and mix well. Serve.