MAC ‘N’ CHEESE – IT’S SO ELEMENTAL AND SATISFYING

Macaroni & Cheese is, without doubt, one of America’s most popular comfort foods.  It is believed to have Southern roots and was first served at a White House dinner by Thomas Jefferson.  His cousin, Mary Randolph, help to popularize the dish with a mention in her cookbook, “The Virginia Housewife.”

Simple to prepare, with creamy texture and bold, cheesy flavor, it's quite adaptable and can be served as a side or dressed-up main dish.  Some delicious variations are suggested below.

MELLOW MACARONI & CHEESE

2 cups (8 ounces) elbow macaroni or other curly pasta

½ stick butter, divided

1/3 cup unseasoned fine dry breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon paprika

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups milk

2 cups coarsely shredded Jarlsberg cheese

1 5.2-ounce package Boursin spreadable Gournay Cheese (Pepper or Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)

1 cup diced Jarlsberg (or, if you’d like to add sharpness to the mellow, use diced cheddar)

 
Preheat oven to 350o.  Butter a 2-quart round ovenproof casserole dish. Cook pasta until al dente; transfer to colander and drain.  In same pasta pot, melt butter; remove from heat.  Measure off 2 tablespoons butter and, in small bowl, combine with breadcrumbs and paprika.  Set aside.

Return pot to heat.  Blend in flour and simmer until bubbly (1 minute).  Gradually whisk in milk, shredded Jarlsberg and Boursin.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is creamy-smooth and thickens slightly.  Return pasta to pot and toss until coated; mix in diced cheese.  Transfer to prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs.  If desired, sprinkle with additional paprika. Bake 30 minutes or until center is bubbly-hot and crumbs are golden.  Serves 6.

VARIATIONS

When combining pasta with cheese sauce, fold in:

• 2 cups cooked small shrimp or shredded cooked chicken (or 1 can of tuna) with 1 cup frozen petite peas.
• 2 cups small cubes of chorizo or kielbasa with 1 cup each small cubes sharp cheddar cheese and chopped cherry tomatoes.  Instead of buttered breadcrumb topping, use crushed, lightly salted tortilla chips.
• 2 cups each small broccoli florets and cooked, chopped beef with 1 cup chopped mushrooms.