Elegant Lobster Mac and Cheese with Black Truffle Oil

Made this for my last cooking class - came out totally awesome.  Don't be afraid by the volume of the fresh herbs - they blend in with the finished flavor really well. Elegant Lobster Mac and Cheese with Black Truffle Oil

10 oz cheddar 8 1/2 oz cup gruyere Mixed shredded mexican style cheese 2 1/2 cups half and half 1/2 onion diced 2 cloves garlic diced 3 Tbs flour 1 Tbs black truffle oil ( to taste 1 lb pasta of your choice 15 oz frozen lobster meat 1 Tbs chopped tarragon 1/4 cup chopped chives 1/4 cup chopped basil 15 cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 4 tbs butter

Pre heat the oven to 400. Thaw the lobster. Chop the herbs all together and quarter the cherry tomatoes. Shred up the cheese. Take about a tablespoon of butter and sauté the onions in it. After 5 minutes or so, add the garlic. Remove to a separate bowl. Add 3 more tablespoons of butter and as it is melting, add the flour. Whisk it in and keep it moving, scraping the bottom. Get out all the lumps so it is a smooth mixture. Cook over low heat, constantly stirring for a couple of  minutes. Slowly add the half and half. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan and whisk everything to keep it smooth. When the milk is almost boiling, lower heat to low, and slowly add the cheese in handfuls and make sure it is fully incorporated before adding the next, whisking constantly. When all the cheese is in, add the truffle. oil. Meanwhile, cook the pasta till it is almost completely cooked, but not quite - about 8 minutes. Mix breadcrumbs with some melted butter - about a tbs. Mix the pasta with the sauce, lobster, tomatoes, and herbs, and place into a 400 degree oven for about 8 - 10 until mixture is bubbling.  Finally, broil until breadcrumbs are brown, about 3 minutes.  Let stand for about 10 minutes to set, then serve.

Servings: 8

Degree of Difficulty Degree of Difficulty: Moderately difficult

Oven Temperature: 400°F

Cooking Times Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Inactive Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Type: Main Dish, Pasta, Seafood