Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Extra-creamy, this will become a family favorite.

Makes 8 servings

non-stick cooking spray

½pound elbow macaroni

1 teaspoon olive oil

¼ cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)

3 tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

2cups (about 6 ounces) shredded cheese

(we use a variety of Cheddar, Gruyère and Monterey Jack for ultimate creaminess and flavor)

¾teaspoon sea or kosher salt

dash hot sauce

1½ cups prepared white-bread croutons

1.Lightly coat a 9-inch square or round baking pan with cooking spray; reserve..

2.Cook macaroni according to the package instructions.. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water.. Toss with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking; reserve..

3.Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter.. Once melted, stir in the flour until smooth.. Continue to cook, constantly stirring, for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.. While whisking, slowly add the milk to the butter/flour mixture.. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, while stirring.. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring so a film does not form on the bottom of the pot.. Cook until the mixture becomes very thick, about 30 to 45 minutes.. Once thickened, stir in the shredded cheeses until sauce is smooth.. Add the salt, hot sauce and then the macaroni, stirring to combine.. Finally, stir in 1 cup of the croutons, and remove from heat..

4.Preheat the Toaster Oven set to Bake at 350°F with the rack in position A..

5.Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared pan.. Scatter the remaining ½ cup of croutons on the top and loosely cover with aluminum foil.. Bake for 30 minutes.. Carefully remove the foil and switch the oven to Broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top..

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 319 (44% from fat) • carb. 32g • pro. 12g • fat 15g • sat. fat 10g

• chol. 43mg • sod. 429mg • calc. 260mg • fiber 1g

TOB-100 specifications

The Cuisinart TOB-100 is a versatile toaster oven that combines functionality and design, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen. This countertop appliance is designed to simplify cooking tasks and enhance meal preparation, featuring a range of capabilities that cater to various culinary needs.

One of the standout features of the Cuisinart TOB-100 is its ability to toast, bake, broil, and reheat, allowing you to perform multiple cooking functions without needing separate appliances. This toaster oven can accommodate a variety of foods, from toasting bread to baking pizzas, making it a multi-functional tool for quick snacks or full meals.

The TOB-100 is equipped with a spacious interior that can fit up to six slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for both small and large serving sizes. Its adjustable cooking rack offers versatility in cooking options, enabling users to position food closer to the heating element for a crisp finish, or further away for slower, even cooking.

Cuisinart has incorporated advanced technologies in the TOB-100, such as a convection feature that circulates hot air around food for faster and more uniform cooking. This results in more evenly cooked meals with better texture and enhanced flavor. Additionally, the integrated timer and automatic shutoff function ensure safety and convenience by preventing overcooking.

The oven’s intuitive control panel is designed for ease of use, featuring clearly labeled buttons and a large digital display. This allows users to easily select their preferred cooking function and time, streamlining the cooking process. The stainless steel exterior gives the toaster oven a modern aesthetic that complements various kitchen styles.

Cleaning the Cuisinart TOB-100 is made easy with its removable crumb tray and non-stick interior, which helps to reduce mess and makes maintenance hassle-free. The compact design also ensures that it fits well on kitchen countertops, maximizing space without compromising on functionality.

In summary, the Cuisinart TOB-100 toaster oven is a practical and efficient kitchen appliance that meets the demands of busy home cooks. With its multifunctional capabilities, user-friendly controls, advanced cooking technology, and stylish design, it stands out as a go-to solution for all your cooking needs. Whether you’re toasting, baking, or broiling, this toaster oven delivers reliable performance and consistent results, making it a worthwhile investment for any culinary enthusiast.