NY Times Macaroni and Cheese

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, puree cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake and additional 30-45 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese is nicely browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.