Sometimes you just need a little comfort, and what is more
comforting than homemade macaroni and cheese. The only problem is it takes time
to make a batch of creamy, rich, cheesy goodness. Of course, there’s the boxed
instant stuff, but that just doesn’t bring the comfort that comes with
homemade. Beside, didn’t we love that as kids? Maybe it’s time for a mac and
cheese that is both fast and grown-up.
I first got the idea for this recipe from another food blog.
That recipe called for 1-percent milk and shredded cheddar cheese. I decided to give it
a try.
Epic fail!
It was watery and the cheese stuck together in one big goopy
mass. We won’t even discuss the taste.
So I decided to try it again, but this time with cheese that
likes to melt into a smooth creamy sauce. It just so happened I had some
gruyere and goat cheese in the fridge. This recipe could be made with just
about any cheese as long as it’s one of the good melting kinds such as
provolone, Monterrey jack, fontina,
or even cream cheese. But I liked the sophisticated taste of the gruyere and
goat cheeses.
To make the mac and cheese even creamier, I swapped the milk
for cream. And I sprinkled in a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat and nutmeg
because it pairs well with the nuttiness of the gruyere.
The end result was a rich, creamy bowl full of cheesy pasta
perfect for a mid-day respite or a warming dinner with a glass of wine.
Grown-up “Instant” Mac and Cheese
Serves 1
1/3 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup water1/4 cup cream
1/2 cup shredded gruyere and goat cheese
Pinch each of cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt and pepper
Put the pasta and water into a microwave-safe bowl. Place into the microwave and heat on high 2 minutes. (Water may boil over the sides of the
bowl, so place a paper towel underneath, just in case.) Stir and heat another 2
minutes. The water will absorb into the pasta. If the water hasn’t completely
absorbed, heat at additional 1-minute intervals until done, stirring after each
minute. If the pasta isn’t to your liking and the water as completely absorbed,
add an additional tablespoon of water. (Mine took 6 minutes total, but the time will
depend on the strength of your microwave.)
Add the cream, cheese, and seasonings. Microwave for another
1 minute, stirring after each 30 seconds, until the cheese has melted. Let
stand for 1 minute, stir, and eat!
It looks very good, and quick. Love it! :)
ReplyDelete