Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

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Last week, I wrote about my LEAST favorite food.  This week, I’m sharing a recipe for one of my favorite meals…Macaroni and Cheese! 

What’s there not to like about macaroni and cheese?  It’s got cheese and it’s got pasta - two of my favorite food groups!  It has been a “go to” food for as long as I can remember.  If I’m desperate, and there is a mac and cheese emergency, I even like the blue box…

untitledBut since I’m not 7, I can also make a mean adult version of macaroni and cheese.  Looking back at my Tasty Tuesday recipes, I can’t believe I’ve never shared a Mac and Cheese recipe before because I’ve got many.  This is my most recent.

Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (I used penne), cooked, drained
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked, chopped (I used Applewood from Trader Joe’s)
- 2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts cooked and cut into small pieces (I seasoned them with salt, pepper, and paprika and put them on the grill)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (I used 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheese, grated or cubed
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated or cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions
1.  Prepare pasta, chicken, and bacon and set aside while sauce is prepared
2.  In a medium sized pot melt the butter and then add the shallots.  Cook over medium heat until soften and lightly golden, 10-15 minutes.
3.  Whisk in the flour.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
4.  Whisk in chicken broth and milk.  Raise heat to med-high bringing to a boil, stirring constantly.  Continue stirring until sauce is thick enough to cover the back of a spoon.
5.  Reduce heat to med-low.  Stir in thyme and salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
6.  Gradually add cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted.  Remove from heat.
7.  Add bacon, chicken, and pasta to the cheese sauce and mixed together.  Pour mixture into a 10x15 casserole dish. 
8.  Place under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the top is browned.
Serves 6-8 stuff 209

stuff 217 The gourmet cheeses make it very rich so a little plate full is just right.  Enjoy!

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18 comments:

  1. MarkMay 31, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Okay, that does look really good. But does it beat the box of Kraft?
    m.

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  2. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    OH, I can taste it! I'm dieting and I'm craving some carbs.

    Either way I want some of that NOW!

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  3. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Holy cow. That looks so fantastic Pumpkin! Should I go to the market and make that for super? I think the boys would be excited!

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  4. VinceMay 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    This dish is truly a US dish. Cauliflower cheese is the version over this side. Or even a broccoli.

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  5. Pumpkin Delight (Kimberly)May 31, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    @Mark - Ummmm, as I said, in a macaroni and cheese emergency I can do the blue box. Otherwise, this is better.

    @GJ & Becky - yes! Go to the store now, hurry!

    @Vince - Broccoli in lieu of pasta sounds delish. I'm not a cauliflower fan, but I am of broccoli.

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  6. jloMay 31, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    You had me at Gryuere (sp?).

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  7. Claudya MartinezMay 31, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    I love grown up mac and cheese. This one sounds great.

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  8. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Now that's a recipe. Beats my hamburger gravy. Visiting from Mama Kat's workshop.

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  9. UnknownJune 1, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    This looks awesome! (But without the meat since I'm a vegetarian.) ;-)
    I love, love homemade mac-n-chz.

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  10. Dwija {House Unseen}June 1, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Wow, this sounds and LOOKS incredible! Yummers :)

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  11. StashaJune 1, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    I need to erase this post from my memory. If I ever mention there is a way to make mac and cheese from scratch, expectations will be set high!

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  12. Lindsey VJune 1, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Looks so yummy, especially the bacon addition. It's making me hungry...and it's 12:30 AM! LOL! Thanks, also, for stopping by my blog!

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  13. ErinJune 1, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    OMG that looks heavenly! I like the twist of the bacon...then again nothing parties like a recipe with bacon!

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  14. hilljeanJune 2, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    I think I can taste the combination of Gruyere and bacon already. Wooooow.

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  15. JackieJune 2, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Looks and sounds delicious!

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  16. Leigh AnnJune 2, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Mmmmm I've been looking for a good home made mac and cheese recipe.

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  17. Jenny @ flutterbyechroniclesJune 2, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Mac-n-Cheese is my all time favorite meal so I am def gonna give this a try :)

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  18. Mom Hearts PinotJune 3, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    ok, first of all- your blog name is HILARIOUS. Love Pumpkin Delight!

    Second, this recipe looks like The BOMB! And I haven't used "The Bomb" in a very long time, so you can tell I'm enthused!

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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