Asiago and Provolone Macaroni and Cheese

In my family, it's a tradition to have Macaroni and Cheese at Thanksgiving. I never gave it a second thought, but later in life found out that not many people eat Mac and Cheese on Thanksgiving. Keeping with the Mac and Cheese at the holidays theme, I decided to make a variation on Christmas day. I had a huge block of Asiago to use up, and a bit of Provolone. I knew this would create a sharp tasting Macaroni and Cheese, but since those are two of my favorites, I decided to try it out and hope everyone else would appreciate the slighty stinky Mac and Cheese. It was great, easy to make ahead of time and reheat, and made a huge tray with plenty of leftovers.

Asiago and Provolone Macaroni and Cheese

1 1/2 lbs. cavatappi or any short cut pasta

1 stick of butter

1 small yellow onion, grated

1/3 cup AP flour

1 tsp. ground white pepper

1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg

4 cups 2% or whole milk

3 cups grated asiago cheese

1 cup grated provolone cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt heavily, add pasta and cook until al dente.

Drain well, set aside.

In a large stock pot, melt butter over low heat.

Grate in onion, sweat onion for 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in flour, whisk and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it is a light brown color.

Add milk, whisk, bring to medium heat.

Sprinkle in cheese, whisking in completely before the next addition.

Add pepper and nutmeg.

Pour pasta into a casserole dish, pour cheese sauce over top.

Stir to distribute cheese.

Transfer to a 350 degree oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, until crisp and bubbly.