Grown Up Macaroni & Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 onion, peeled & chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions.
Drain& add a little butter to prevent sticking.
Cover& put aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over low to medium heat.
Add flour& cook gently for 4- 5 mins.
Add milk, mix well& allow to simmer for a few mins.
Add cream, mix well& cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce starts to thicken (about 10 mins).
Add onion& bay leaf; continue cooking for another 15- 20 mins, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat, remove bay leaf, stir in mustard& 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar, season with salt& pepper and stir well.
Combine with macaroni in an ovenproof casserole dish.
Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over top.
Combine bread crumbs, parsley& paprika and sprinkle over the top.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven for about 15- 20 minutes or until light golden brown on top.