French-Style Mac ‘n Cheese with Peas

Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add the macaroni and cook to al dente (about 2 minutes less than the box indicates the preparation time to be).

Step 2 - While the pasta cooks, pour the milk in a saucepan with salt, grated nutmeg and black pepper. Heat up the saucepan over medium heat to bring to a slow simmer. As soon as the milk simmers, drain the pasta and add them to the boiling milk along with the frozen peas.

Cook for 2 minutes, and drain the pasta and peas over a bowl to reserve the milk. Step 3 - Melt butter in an oven-safe pan over medium heat.

When the butter is sizzling, mix in the flour with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing continuously until you get a dry paste (roux). Pour in the warm milk slowly and mix with a whisk until reaching a creamy consistency.

Whisk in the crème fraiche and about 2/3 of the grated cheese. Gently fold in the pasta and peas until evenly coated.

Cover with the rest of the grated cheese and the breadcrumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden on top.