Breakfast of Champions - Spicy & Soupy Mac & Cheese

Ace and Mark were raised on a peculiar diet. Their dad, L.W. "Bill" DuMond, decided early on that macaroni and cheese was a good breakfast food for the twins. Not only that, but the mac & cheese was always prepared almost as a "soup." So while their contemporaries in grade school were having their Fruit Loops and Cheerios, the DuMond twins were chowing down on their bowls of mac & cheese to start the day.

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it comes in a virtually unlimited number of versions. This one is done on a stovetop, as opposed to the many variations which are baked in an oven. They're all good!

12 oz. dried elbow macaroni or other pasta

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. white flour
3 cups low-fat milk
1/2 cup half & half
1/2 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. "altered" Essence, recipe follows

Bring a large saucepan full of salted water to a full boil. Add the pasta and boil until al dente, according to package directions. Drain in a colander, drizzle with canola oil and toss to prevent sticking.

Put the pan back on the burner over medium heat, add the butter and heat until melted. Add the flour and whisk until a smooth roux is formed. Add the milk and whisk until a thickened sauce results. Add the half & half and continue whisking until the sauce is bubbling and hot. Add the grated cheeses and take the heat to low. Add the cooked macaroni and stir to mix well. Add the essence and stir. At this point, you can adjust seasonings and texture. If you want it spicier, add some pepper or cayenne. If you want it soupier, add some more lowfat milk.

ALTERED ESSENCE

Full disclosure: We lifted the recipe for Essence from the legendary Emeril Lagasse of Food Network fame. We wanted to have some of this stuff around all the time, but decided to alter the recipe to cut back on the salt content. So this recipe is identical to Emeril's with the exception of half the salt.

2.5 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. dried crushed oregano
1 Tbsp. dried crushed thyme

Put all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Keep this condiment in your pantry for use any time.