Mexican Macaroni and Cheese

I have been craving cheese like no ones business lately. Maybe I am just getting excited for cheese club to start in a couple of weeks? Anyways, I had some jack cheese and cheddar in the fridge that needed to be used up. In addition I had a jar of jalapeno slices in the cupboard. The combination of those ingredients inspired me to do a macaroni and cheese with a Mexican flair.

I decided to put the jalapenos in the topping because I don't care for things mixed in with the cheese and noodles. A good breadcrumb topping can make or break macaroni and cheese, but I still like to get creative with it sometimes. If you don't mind additions to the cheese and noodles, go ahead and add the jalapenos to the cheese sauce. A quick tip on telling when the milk has thickened to the right point. Using a spoon, run your finger in a line down the back and if it holds the line it is ready.

Ingredients:
1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, spirals, fusilli etc.)
Salt
Pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups (6 ounces) monetary jack cheese, grated
1 cup (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, plus some for the topping, grated
4 slices of whole wheat bread
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup jalapeno slices


Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente (under cooked, about 2 minutes less than normal).
2. In a food processor, combine the bread slices, oregano and cumin, pulsing to make crumbs. Add the jalapeno slices into the food processor, and pulse 4 times to give them a coarse chop and to combine. 
3. In a medium pot heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly until thickened and golden. Add both milks and increase heat to medium-high. Whisk until combined and small bubbles form around the edge, reducing heat to medium until thickened. 
4. Add the jack cheese and cheddar, stirring until melted. Add the noodles stirring to combine. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the bread crumb and cheese mixture. Place in the oven and cook until the top is melted and golden (about 10 minutes). Enjoy!