1 lb. mostaccioli noodles 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 3/4 lb. Danish Havarti or Fontina cheese, coarsely grated Salt and pepper 1 c. buttered bread crumbs FOR BECHAMEL SAUCE: 3-4 tbsp. butter 3-4 tbsp. flour 1/2 onion, minced 3 c. hot milk Peppercorns Thyme Bay leaf Salt Grated nutmeg Make Bechamel Sauce: Heat butter in saucepan until bubbly. Add onion, cook over low heat 3-4 minutes. Add flour, stir and cook a few minutes, then add milk, bit by bit, stirring with a whisk. Add spices and cook slowly 10-15 minutes. Cook pasta until al dente. Combine cheeses. Butter a 2 1/2 - 3 quart baking dish. Drain pasta and put 1/3 in dish. Cover with 1/3 of cheese and 1/3 of sauce. Make 2 more layers and top with bread crumbs. Bake in 350 degree oven 15-20 minutes. |