Emeril's Smoked Gouda Macaroni

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb small elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 lb smoked gouda cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. 2

   Put the water, 1/2 tsp salt, and the oil in a large heavy saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.

3. 3

   Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occsionally, until tender, about 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Drain and rinse under cool water.

5. 5

   Set aside.

6. 6

   In a small, heavy saucepan, melt 2 tbs of the butter over medium heat.

7. 7

   Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.

9. 9

   Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 8 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the white sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese.

11. 11

    Continue stirring until the cheese melts.

12. 12

    Lightly grease a 6.5x10" casserole dish with the remeining 1/2 tsp butter.

13. 13

    Combine the cheese sauce and macaroni in a large mixing bowl and mix well.

14. 14

    Pour into the prepared casserole and bake until lightly golden on top, about 20 minutes.

15. 15

    Remove from the oven and serve hot.