We’re all just looking for a little bit of comfort. [Guest contributor: Michael Majlak]

As someone who truly believes that a good meal can transform the human soul, I’ve been spoiled with a mother who can really kick it up a notch in the kitchen. I probably never really gave her the appreciation she deserves for creating some insanely impressive homemade dishes.

It’s one of those cliché arguments you have with your friends as a kid, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Every child should go through their adolescence thinking that their mom is the best cook in the entire universe. I can remember almost getting into physical fights with other kids that thought their mom made better meatloaf than mine!

One dish my mom has had perfected since my birth was this gooey, ridiculously delicious Mac & Cheese. Since we’re quickly slipping into the season for food that will keep us warm, I thought now would be the right time to bring you the recipe for a plate that anyone can make- and EVERYONE will enjoy. My mom, Robin, walked me through the whole process in 7 simple steps and I’ve laid them out below with some pictures to get your mouth watering just a bit. Throw on some sweatpants, follow the recipe, and bring a big bowl of this cheesy masterpiece back to your couch for an ultimate comfort session!

Just don’t try to say yours came out better than my mom’s…

Robin’s Mac & Cheese aka: the ultimate comfort food!

• 1 lb. Cavatappi Pasta
• 6 oz. Gruyere Cheese
• 1 small onion
• 12 oz. New York Extra Sharp Cheese
• 3/4 stick butter
• 1 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
•  2 cups milk
• 3 Tbs. flour
• 1/2 cup Panko Crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375º
2. Bring water to boil in large pot; add a splash of olive oil, cook pasta until almost cooked.
3. Grate cheeses, nutmeg and chop onion.
4. Melt butter in saucepan add finely chopped onion, cook slowly until onion is translucent. Add flour to butter/onion mixture and heat over low for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
5. Heat milk in separate pan or microwave until hot.
6. Add milk to pot with butter & onion and whisk until hot [do not boil]. Add cheeses, nutmeg, salt & pepper to mixture. Blend well and when smooth pour cheese sauce over pasta in casserole dish. Top with Panko, salt and pepper.
7. Bake 30 – 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.

Enjoy!

— Michael Majlak