The Coterie Room's Sweet Onion Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 cup canola oil divided
• 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
• 2 ounces fontina grated
• 1 teaspoon chives fresh snipped
• 1 teaspoon parsley fresh chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 0.5 pound orecchiette 
• 3 tablespoons parmesan freshly grated
• 0.3 cup cornstarch (substitute cornstarch)
• 4 servings pepper black freshly ground to taste
• 1 large shallots thinly sliced
• 2 ounces cheddar cheese white grated
• 1 large onion diced sweet such as vidalia or maui,
• 0.5 cup butter unsalted divided (1 stick)
• 2 cups milk whole warmed

Equipment

• food processor
• frying pan
• paper towels
• sauce pan
• whisk
• pot
• blender
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, run it under cold water, and return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with the olive oil.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the onion, and toss to coat with the fat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high, sprinkle the onion with salt and pepper, and cook, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the onion is golden brow. Puree the onion in a food processor fitted with the steel blade or in a blender, and set aside.
5. Heat the remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns slightly beige, is bubbly, and appears to have grown in volume. Increase the heat to medium, and slowly whisk in the warm milk. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until it thickens.
6. Add the cheese to the sauce by 1/2-cup measures, stirring until the cheese melts before making another addition. Stir in the onion puree, and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
7. While the sauce simmers, heat the remaining canola oil in a small saucepan to a temperature of 350 degrees. Coat the shallot slices with the rice flour, shaking off any excess. Fry the shallot slices for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove the shallots from the oil with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
9. To serve, stir the sauce, chives, and parsley into the pasta. Cook over low heat until the pasta is hot and coated with the sauce.
10. Serve immediately, garnishing each serving with some of the fried shallots.