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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 40 |
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Ingredients:
salt, for pasta water |
1/3 pound rigatoni (about 40 pieces) |
4 ounces easy melting american cheese (recommended: velveeta) |
1/2 cup italian bread crumbs |
1/4 cup grated parmesan |
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves |
2 eggs, lightly beaten with 2 teaspoons water, for egg wash |
2 cups vegetable oil |
20 cherry tomatoes, halved |
special equipment: frilly toothpicks |
Directions:
1. Fill a saucepan halfway with water and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and salt the water liberally. Add the rigatoni and cook 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse well under cold water and set aside.
2. Cut the block of cheese into 1/2-inch slices and cut each slice into 4 equal pieces lengthwise. Cut each piece in half. You should have 40 pieces. Slide 1 piece of the cheese into each rigatoni (the size should be near perfect.)
3. Pour the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley into a small bowl and mix well. Working in small batches, put the stuffed rigatoni into the egg wash first, then roll in the bread crumb mixture. Place in a sealable container (they can be stacked on top of each other). Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours and up to 2 weeks.
4. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
5. Pour the vegetable oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat for 5 minutes. Test by dropping a cube of bread into the oil; if it turns golden within 1 minute the oil is ready.
6. Working in batches of 6 to 8 and using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the rigatoni into the oil. Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the bread crumbs are a golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all of the rigatoni have been fried. Keep warm in the preheated oven.
7. To serve, skewer 1 piece of the mac and cheese and a cherry tomato half with a frilly toothpick. Serve while still warm.
8. Cook's Note: Since these are time consuming and since they freeze well, it's worth making a larger batch than needed and storing them.
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