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Mac 'N Cheese
Serves 4-8
Alternative Ingredients are listed in Red

Qty Size Ingredient
8 oz Barilla Elbows Pasta (dry measure)
Simple Elbow Macaroni *
cups Water
1 cup Whole Milk
½ lbs Deli American Cheese
Deli White American Cheese **
½ lbs Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese **
2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano
1 tbls Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
Fresh White Pepper **
1 tbls Roasted Garlic ***
1 tsp Kosher Salt
 
Topping
Fried Chicken Skins ****
-or-
Buttered Panko Bread Crumbs


With a large hole grater, grate both cheeses and set aside SEPARATELY.  With a micro plane, grate the Parmigiano Reggiano and set aside as well.

Place the water and milk in a sauce pan and bring to a boil over high heat.  Once boiling, add the pasta, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for the full 9 minutes (just past al denté), stirring occidentally.

When the pasta is done and still simmering, add the mustard, salt, pepper, American Cheese and mix thoroughly until melted.  Remove from the heat before adding the white cheddar to the pot and mix it just a little (still shredded) and let it sit to melt gently so that it doesn't break.  When the cheddar has melted, add the mustard and Parmigiano, stir to combine everything thoroughly.  Transfer to a serving bowl if it's going to be plated or into ramekins to be served as a side, and top with Skin or Panko topping.

The water, milk and macaroni are specifically proportioned.  Measure them dutifully.  Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to be thickened by the pasta starch.

* Simple elbow macaroni is larger, has only one curve and does not have any ridges.  It will work just fine, but the Barilla Elbows are just a step up.

** If you would prefer to make this a pure white sauce.  Don't forget, for some people, it just doesn't taste the same if it isn't yellow.

*** DO NOT use raw garlic.  It will have a "bite" to it.  Or better yet, rub it on the chicken skin bits. (see below)

**** Two thighs of Fried Chicken Skins (or 1 breast) chopped into dime sized bites.  Sprinkle over the top (DO NOT oven bake).


Enjoy.


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