The Best Macaroni & Cheese - From Scratch |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 120 Minutes |
Ready In: 120 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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I love a good Mac-N-Cheese and for years have tried many different recipes. This is my favorite. I blended the best things of many recipes and this is the result. Hope you and yours enjoy!! Ingredients:
1 lb. pasta (your choice, but i like rotini) |
1 large onion - diced |
1 lb. mushrooms - diced |
1 tbsp. butter |
2 tbsp. olive oil |
2 tsp. worcestershire |
1/2 cup dry white wine |
2 tsp. garlic powder |
salt/pepper to taste |
4 tbsp. butter |
1/3 cup flour |
3 cups whole milk (don't try to make this low-fat or low-calorie, just enjoy as is!) |
2 bay leaves |
1 bouquet garnish (i use a japanese bag, pre-made but you can make your own) |
1/2 - 1 tsp. cayenne pepper |
8 oz. sharp cheddar - shredded |
8 oz. swiss - shredded |
8 oz. reggiano - shredded |
8 oz. gouda - shredded |
1/2 cup sour cream |
1 -2 cups crushed cheese crackers |
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese |
2 - 3 tbsp. olive oil |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over a medium heat.
3. Cook onions until soft but not brown.
4. Add mushrooms and garlic powder. Cook until the moisture released.
5. Add white wine, Worcestershire, salt and Pepper.
6. Cook until liquid is all evaporated and absorbed. Set pan aside
7. Boil your selected pasta about 2 minutes less that the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
8. Boil the milk (I use the microwave) with the bay leave and bouquet garnish. Set aside to steep (about 20 minutes).
9. In a large pan melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook about 2 -3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste but not browned, stirring constantly. Add cayenne pepper. Slowly whisk in milk (having removed the herbs) until the mixture is smooth and thick.
10. Add cheeses a small amount at a time until all is melted in.
11. Add sour cream.
12. Toss in the onion/mushroom mixture and last, add the cooked pasta and stir together completely.
13. Adjust seasonings.
14. Transfer to a 9 X 13 glass/crockery baking dish.
15. In a medium sized bowl, mix cracker crumbs and parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil until just coated.
16. Sprinkle over the pasta and bake for 50 - 55 minutes until bubbly. Let coast for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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