Mac-N-Cheese For Grown-Ups - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3/4 stick -plus more for greasing
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 bay leaf
4 cups milk
1 1/4 cups creme fraiche
1 1/2 teaspoons fleur de sel, pluse more to taste
3 3/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 3/4 cups cheddar cheese, shreeded
white pepper, to taste
1 lb cavatappi pasta, cooked al dente and cooled in ice water and drained
3/4 cup breadcrumbs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375.
Butter 3-4 quart square baking dish.
In 4 quart saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter.
Stir in flour, cook, stirring, 1 minuted. Add bay leaf.
Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Simmer, whisking occasionally, 14-16 minutes.
Discard bay leaf.
Whisk in creme fraiche and 1 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel; bring to simmer.
Off heat, stir in 1 1/2 cups each mozzarella and cheedar.
Season with Fleur de sel and white pepper.
In large bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce.
Stir in 2 cups mozzarella.
Transfer to prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and cheddar, then with bread crumbs.
Bake 30 minutes.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.