GROWN UP MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Put a large pot of well salted water on to boil.
• Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium low heat to just below a simmer. Remove from heat and cover to keep hot.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
• add the onion and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in the hot milk, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened and smooth.
• Season with 1 tsp salt, the nutmeg, tabasco and pepper to taste.
• Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the gruyere and blue cheese.
• Cook the pasta in the boiling water to al dente, following the package directions. Drain well and return to the pot.
• Toss the lemon zest and half of the Monterey Jack cheese into the pasta while it's still hot; add the cheese sauce and quickly toss to combine.
• Stir in the parsley and thyme and transfer half of the pasta to a large 3 qt shallow cassserole or lasagna pan.
• Sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and half of the Parmigiano; top with the remaining pasta.
• Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano and the breadcrumbs.
• Bake until bubbling and golden, 50 to 60 minutes.
• Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.