Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

You've got love Gouda.

For some reason, I was in the mood tonight for a warm and cheesy baked macaroni.  Perhaps, it's the thought that fall weather is beckoning or at least it's cool in my mind. 

Here's the recipe:

1. Saute 2 cloves of garlic in 3 tbsp butter until garlic is fragrant and golden, but not brown and burnt.  I use the real stuff, but you can use whatever you'd like.

2. Add 3 tbsp flour and stir to make roux. 

3. Slowly stir in 2.5 c milk and cook on medium until sauce thickens.  Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Then, add about 2 cups shredded smoked gouda.  Cook until cheese is melted and stir frequently.  Sauce should be relatively thick, but still pourable.

4. Cook about 8-12 oz of macaroni according to package instructions.  Drain, but do not rinse.

5. In a 2 qt baking dish combine the noodles and cheese sauce.  Sprinkle with halved cherry tomatoes and buttered panko bread crumbs or whatever topping you like!
6. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes and enjoy some creamy deliciousness.

Here's the eye candy:

Go ahead and indulge.

Today I'm linking up to:
New Friend Friday at The Girl Creative
Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge