RECIPE TIPS

CARBONARA For a smoky kick, add a little cooked chopped smoked bacon or pancetta to the sauce.

THE WHITE SAUCE IS TOO THICK If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more milk or water to help loosen it. Remember, the addition of cheese and hot macaroni will thicken the sauce further.

TRY SOME NEW FLAVOURS Macaroni cheese is a very versatile dish – you can add extra flavours you love or use up leftover ingredients.

SPECIAL CHEESE Add some of your favourite cheese to the sauce instead of the cheddar. Blue cheese works really well, especially a creamy Gorgonzola, or try using some nutty-tasting Gruyère.

THE MACARONI STICKS TOGETHER Keep running water over the macaroni and break the pieces apart with your fingers. Ideally, time the macaroni so that it is cooked at the same time as you finish the cheese sauce, then mix the two together straight away.