Ultimate Mac 'N' Cheese

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°.
2. 2
   Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling, well-salted water until tender to the bite, 7 to 12 minutes.
3. 3
   Drain, but do not rinse.
4. 4
   In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
5. 5
   Add shallots and cook until light golden, about 3 minutes.
6. 6
   Sprinkle shallot-butter mixture with flour; cook, stirring often, 1 minute.
7. 7
   Add wine; stir, picking up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. 8
   Add cream and stir well.
9. 9
   Sprinkle in cheeses, one large handful at a time, stirring until each handful is almost melted before adding the next.
10. 10
    Stir in 2 tablespoons chives, mustard, 1/4 teaspoons salt, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, and nutmeg.
11. 11
    Stir cooked pasta into cheese mixture, then pour all into a 2-qt. baking dish.
12. 12
    In a food processor, pulse bread with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoons chives, and 1/4 teaspoons salt until coarse bread crumbs form.
13. 13
    Sprinkle bread crumbs over pasta and cheese and bake until top is browned and cheese is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes.
14. 14
    Enjoy!