Mac 'N Cheese Soup

Here's a really fun recipe that will be a hit with all those mac 'n cheese lovers out there (is there anyone who isn't?)

Mac n' Cheese Soup

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1/2 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced celery
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups whole milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Salt to taste
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives

Preparation

Cook macaroni in a pot of salted water according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Sweat onion and celery in butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in flour to coat and cook 1 minute. Deglaze with wine and simmer until nearly evaporated. Stir in broth, mustard, nutmeg, and cayenne. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, then whisk in milk and warm through. Do not let boil or base may become grainy.

Add cheddar, 1 cup at a time, allowing it to melt completely before adding the next cup. Stir in macaroni, lemon juice, and salt; remove from heat.