what-i-cooked: gouda-gruyere-cheddar-mac-n'-cheese

one would think that there would be more bbq in houston than in detroit, but upscale bbq has become very trendy in the last year and since moving home i have enjoyed my fair share of bbq.  i have come to learn that while one must appreciate a good pulled pork sandwich or beef brisket, the sides are equally as important.  in my opinion the best side for bbq is mac n' cheese.  i tried creating my own using slows bbq in detroit and union woodshop in clarkston as my inspiration.  i also scoured foodnetworks website to get some additional inspiration.  to gourmet up my mac n' cheese, i used some gouda, gruyere, cheddar and parmesan and chose to garnish my macaroni with sundried tomatoes, thyme and some tasty croutons.  

ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 teaspoons flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
pinch nutmeg
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup milk
1/2 stick butter + 2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon creme fraiche
sundried tomatoes
fresh thyme
4 slices of bread
1/2 lb gouda
1/2 lb gruyere
1/2 lb extra sharp cheddar
1/4 cup parmesan + additional for the croutons
4 slices bread


directions:
pre-heat the oven to 350.  then, cook your pasta al dente in boiling water. while the pasta is cooking, shred your cheeses and place in a bowl.  then, heat the butter in a medium pan and add the flour to it as it melts, stir to combine and then add the milk, heavy whipping cream, dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste.  stir over medium but do not boil.  once the pasta is cooked al dente, strain the noodles and then pour into the bowl with the cheeses, mix well and then add the sauce. pour the macaroni mixture into a glass baking dish and then top with the parmesan cheese, sliced sundried tomatoes and the fresh thyme.  bake for 35 minutes.  while the macaroni is baking, dice up 4 slices of bread to make croutons.  then, in a medium fry pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss the croutons in the butter with some parmesan until toasted.  then, remove the macaroni from the oven and layer croutons atop the macaroni and return to the oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking.