Reuben Macaroni and Cheese

I absolutely love Reuben sandwiches. There’s something about the combination of pastrami, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut that is just heaven—a perfect match. And of course we mustn’t forget the mustard and rye bread! So when I saw this Rachael Ray recipe I had to give it a go! I adapted it slightly and I think next time I’m going to make a milkier sauce, and maybe even add an egg or two to make it more like a quiche! We'll see...

3/4 lb cavatappi, corkscrew-shaped pasta

1/2 cup of rye bread crumbs

3 Tsp butter

1 tsp paprika

3 Tsp flour

2 cups milk

1/4 cup Gulden’s mustard

1 cup shredded  Swiss cheese

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3/4 lb corned beef, sliced fairly thickly, chopped

1 lb sauerkraut rinsed, well drained

fresh parsley

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta, and cook until it’s al dente.

In a different pan melt the butter over a medium heat. Whisk in the flour for a minute or so, and then add the milk. Season with salt and pepper, and allow the sauce to thicken for 5 to 6 minutes then stir in mustard. Melt about two thirds of the combined shredded cheese into the sauce.

Preheat broiler.

Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Stir in the corned beef, sauerkraut, and paprika into the hot pasta, and then add the cheese sauce. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture in to a casserole and top with the rye bread crumbs and the remaining cheese. Brown under the broiler for about three minutes or so until the cheese begins to bubble and turn a delicious golden brown.

Garnish with chopped parsley and chopped tomatoes. This is a very easy and tasty supper to make, and it's just a perfect thing to have on a cold, stormy November night!