Mac and Cheese

My first attempt at getting back in the cooking game was a Gourmet Mac and Cheese. I originally found this recipe for Double Dutch Mac and Cheese (using two Dutch cheeses Gouda and Edam) but after being unsuccessful at finding the cheeses for less than $15/lb I went to Extra Sharp Cheddar, Tillamook of course. the recipe is:

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 3 cups reduced-fat (2%) milk
• 4 cups (packed) coarsely grated aged extra sharp Cheddar cheese plus 1/2 cup finely grated (about 10 ounces total)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 6 Slices thick bacon
  

Preparation

• Cook bacon until crisp. Lay to the side to cool.
  
• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large pot over medium heat. Stir in garlic, then flour; stir constantly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture begins to boil, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups coarsely grated Cheddar. Stir until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Crumble bacon into cheese sauce. Stir in cayenne and nutmeg. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
  
• Bring water in pot to boil. Add macaroni; cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Stir macaroni into warm cheese sauce. Place half of macaroni in dish; smooth top. Top with 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Top with remaining macaroni mixture; spread evenly.
• Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Place breadcrumbs in medium bowl. Drizzle butter over; toss. Add 1/2 cup finely grated Cheddar and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over mac and cheese.
• Bake mac and cheese until breadcrumbs are golden and edges are bubbling, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.

I think overall it was "not bad". It was certainly good enough for 2 out of 3 diners to get 2nds and the overall consensus was a 7 out of 10. "Not bad" for my first foray into cooking. For a side I coated some asparagus in butter (not too much), sprinkled a little salt on top, and baked it with the mac and cheese for the last 15-20 minutes. And I'm not sure why the picture is tilted clockwise 90 degrees, but I have no idea how to change it. If any of you more experienced bloggers out there have a suggestion, let me know!