Coastal Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients

 6 Tbsp. butter

3 cups chopped onion

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 Tbsp. tarragon, chopped

1/2 cup unbleached flour

1 quart milk

1 tsp. cayenne

1 1/2 Tbsp. salt

4 cups diced roasted tomatoes

2 cups grated coastal cheddar

1 cup grated mozzarella (polly-0)

2 pounds cooked penne or macaroni

1 cup parmesan

1 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

 Heat oven to 350F. In large rondo, melt butter: add onion, garlic, tarragon, or herb of choice. Cook 2 - 3 minutes. Mix in flour, cook a minute more. Stirring with a whisk, stir in milk slowly, bring to strong simmer, then lower, add cayenne, salt and pepper, and tomatoes. Simmer 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella. Blend well. Combine sauce and cooked pasta in large container. Place in buttered hotel pan. Mix bread crumbs with parmesan. Sprinkle over top and bake, 30 - 35 minutes.