caramelized shallot mac and cheese

I can't imagine a better way to start the new year than a new mac and cheese recipe, since it's my favorite food group. This one is from December 2008 Bon Appetit, and features goat cheese and crispy sweet shallots as the topping.

Grocery list: butter, 6 large shallots, 8oz dried pasta (elbow or penne), 1 1/4 cup half & half, 2.5 tsp hot sauce, 8oz grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1.5 T AP flour, 2/3 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese.



Thinly slice the shallots (6 large should be about 3 cups).



Melt 3 T butter in a heavy pan or cast iron skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, covered, stirring frequently. Then reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until shallots have caramelized (this took another 10 minutes by my count).



Remove from heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, or about 1-2 minutes less than al dente. Drain. Bring half & half to a simmer over medium heat.



Toss the grated cheese with flour, then pour into the pan with the half & half. Add the hot sauce. Whisk until smooth and just starting to bubble (another 2 minutes). Season with salt & pepper. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, then spread into a buttered baking dish. Top with the caramelized shallots, then sprinkle goat cheese crumbs across top. Bake at 400 degrees until bubbly, 15-20 minutes.