Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain.
3. Melt butter in a large, high-sided pan over medium heat. When the butter begins to bubble, add the flour. Cook, whisking constantly 2 to 3 minutes until the butter smells fragrant and nutty — the color of the butter-flour mixture will turn light brown.
4. While whisking, slowly pour in the milk. Continue to cook, whisking constantly until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
5. Season the sauce with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard.
6. Add the pumpkin puree and three-quarters of the grated cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper.
8. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated then spoon into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
9. Bake the macaroni and cheese, uncovered, until golden brown on top, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
10. Top with fried sage, or breadcrumbs and enjoy with a nice green salad!