Macarrones con Béchamel

Assemble these supplies:

2 cups macaroni, uncooked
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cold milk
nutmeg, pinch (optional)
1/2 cup Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, grated
butter


Steps in preparation:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce by melting the butter in a frying pan; add oil; blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in the cold milk. Return to low heat and stir constantly until thick and smooth-10 minutes or more.
3. Mix the macaroni with 2/3 of the sauce, the nutmeg and 1/2 of the cheese in a buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese. Dot with butter.
4. Bake in 325° preheated oven about 20-30 minutes or until a crust forms.
5. SERVES 6.