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Savory Sight: Gorgonzola, Apple, and Bacon Mac-n-Cheese

Yum Community — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:15 -0800

This story was written by member jadenirvana and comes from the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community. I made Yum's insanely good mac 'n' cheese recipe in some ramekins my mother in law gave me for creme brulee. The little tart-size dishes made the meal extra cute, and I substituted bacon for walnuts for extra yumminess. The combo of sharp gorgonzola, crisp apples and rich bacon was so good, literally one of the most delish things I've ever tasted, and I never would have thought of it on my own. How do you do it Yum?

Have you eaten an awesome meal? Join the Savory Sights group, upload your photos and a description of the experience, and it could be featured on YumSugar! If you are new to the YumSugar Community, here's a detailed guide to posting to groups.

YumSugar's Must-Try Mac and Cheese Recipes

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:50:04 -0800

I've kicked off November (the biggest food month of the year!) by resolving to give thanks for something every day. And in a few weeks, when it's holiday time, there's one thing that I'll be grateful for: our recent recipe series dedicated solely to macaroni and cheese. We sifted through numerous recipes to come up with 10 timeless dishes that, regardless of what kind of Thanksgiving you're planning, will be a smash hit. Ready for the macstravaganza? Then read on.

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Mac Attack! Three-Cheese Mini Macs

partysugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:50:10 -0700

Looking for something orange to serve at your Halloween bash on Saturday? Why not make these adorable and delicious macaroni and cheese bites?! This mac gets its vibrant hue from cheddar and American cheeses.

The technique is like a typical macaroni and cheese recipe, but the ratio of cheese to liquid is different. There's more cheese and less milk resulting in a dense, easily-compactable pasta with thick sauce.

Although the recipe calls for five minutes of cool time, I found that these macs, which are cooked in mini muffin pans, need about ten minutes to set. If you try to get them out of the pan too early, the pasta won't hold its shape and instead of mac and cheese minis, you'll just have a mac and cheese mess. To look at the recipe, keep reading.

Mac Attack! Gorgonzola Apple Macaroni and Cheese

YumSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:54 -0700

I love blue cheese, but occasionally find that it can overpower a dish with its pungent flavor. But after appreciating its modest contribution to last week's buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, I was ready to give it a starring role.

One of my favorite versions of macaroni and cheese in San Francisco is made by Solstice, a restaurant and bar in my neighborhood. One taste of the creamy, steamy, slightly sharp mac - which is foiled by tart green apples and toasted walnuts - and all of the day's problems have vanished.

Since I've enjoyed it so many times at the restaurant, I took a stab at recreating it in my own kitchen. My attempt wasn't too bad, although I decided next time I'll make a few variations to the béchamel, which are noted below. Curious to see how I made it? Find out after the break.

Mac Attack! Goat Cheese and Pesto

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:15:41 -0700

You love pesto, I love pesto! I have to admit I was giddy when I found a recipe that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with pesto. It also uses another one of my favorites, goat cheese. Since I had already eaten a lot of elbow macaroni, I picked up a box of orecchiette. They are said to be shaped like small ears, but I think they look more like little bowls; a perfect vessel to fill with sauce!

The combination of goat cheese, Parmesan, and pesto is insanely creamy. For a great crunch and texture, the mac and cheese is topped with panko. Rather than make a big pan, I cooked it in easy-to-serve individual ramekins. With a little planning this recipe won't take much longer than a box of Kraft - except it's a million times more rewarding. If you want to wow your friends and family with scrumptious mac and cheese, keep reading!

Mac Attack! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:35 -0700

From classic stovetop shells to leek-and-cheddar penne, I've never met a mac and cheese I don't like. But the recipe I'd been craving most of all was one that, up until recently, only lived in my imagination: buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese.

My fantasy finally became reality one weekend when I put together all the elements I'd dreamed about. Al dente elbows of pasta, coated in creamy, sharp cheese sauce, topped with hot pepper sauce and crispy chicken.

It only occurred to me after sinking my teeth into the first bite that I could improve upon it even more by dotting the top with blue cheese crumbles and diced celery squares. That's why I can't wait to make it again! The epitome of indulgence, after the break.

Mac Attack! Leeks and Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:15:42 -0700

After putting together a super tasty Tex-Mex mac and cheese, I wanted to make something a little more traditional, but still with a twist. I found a recipe for sharp cheddar mac and cheese that's infused with sauteed leeks. Leeks are a cousin to the onion family; however, they're much more subtle, sweet, and earthy. The sharp cheddar cheese complements the complexity of the leeks.

The leftovers of this mac and cheese are even better because the flavors have more time to mingle and develop. The next time I make this dish, I plan on crumbling bacon over the top - it would take this recipe to a whole new heavenly level. If you're ready for the next mac attack, keep reading

Mac Attack! Kraft-Style Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

partysugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:21 -0700

When I was little my favorite meal was Kraft macaroni and cheese with slices of Ballpark hot dogs stirred in. Although I haven't had this dinner in years, I remember it fondly and sometimes crave an intensely creamy stove-top mac and cheese. I considered giving the old package a try, but the thought of powdered cheese made me cringe. That's why I decided to make my own version of Kraft's classic mac. Surprisingly, it's very quick and easy to put together and the resulting dish is comforting and nostalgic, yet a little more gourmet. To ensure a smooth rich texture, I combined Velveeta - what can I say, it's a guilty pleasure! - with a good-quality, extra-sharp cheddar. The mixture works wonderfully and from now on instead of reaching for a box, I'll reach for this recipe! To do the same, get it now and read more.

Kraft-Style Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Original Recipe

Although I used whole milk, you could probably substitute 1 or 2 percent and still have a thick orange sauce.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups small pasta shells
1 1/2 cups large pasta shells
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 3/4 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces velveeta, diced
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan of boiled water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and add the cheddar and velveeta in handfuls, whisking to melt. Stir until all the cheese is combined and
Season with the mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Fold in the cooked pasta and stir well to coat all of the pasta with the sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Serves 4.

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Mac Attack! Tex-Mex Macaroni and Cheese

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:00:21 -0700

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Tex-Mex is one of my favorite cuisines of all time, my top dish pick being chili con queso with Ro-Tel. Naturally, when I came across a Tex-Mex mac and cheese with green chilies, I knew I had to make it.

The recipe comes from Robert Del Grande, one of the Lone Star State's best-known chefs and restaurateurs, and the roasted poblanos give the melted cheese dish an addictive kick. Want the recipe? Keep reading.

Mac Attack! Macaroni and Three Cheeses

partysugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:51 -0700

This isn't a trick readers, so get excited, I've got a treat for you: For the month of October we're going macaroni and cheese crazy! There's nothing quite as comforting as a plate full of gooey, cheesy macaroni with a crispy topping, which is why we'll be featuring our favorite mac and cheese recipes for the next four weeks.

To kick things off, I made this savory and somewhat classic macaroni and three cheeses. Parmesan, white cheddar, and Gorgonzola are combined with a onion-infused béchamel. The addition of Worcestershire sauce may seem odd, but I assure you, it gives a subtle tang to the sauce and mellows out the pungency of the blue cheese.

There's only one problem with this mac and cheese. It's incredibly delicious and if you aren't careful, you may end up eating too much of it at once! Yes, I'm speaking from experience. To check out the recipe, read more.

Macaroni and Three Cheeses
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
5 cups milk
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese (about 1 pound)
2/3 cup Gorgonzola (about 4 ounces), at room temperature
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 6 ounces)
3/4 cup fine plain bread crumbs, preferably homemade

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until barely al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain; return to the pot.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the milk and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°.
Melt 6 tablespoons of the butter in another large saucepan. Add the flour and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes; remove from the heat.
Gradually whisk the simmering milk into the flour and butter mixture until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook over low heat, whisking, until thick and bubbling, about 7 minutes.
Stir in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add the Cheddar, Gorgonzola and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan and cook over low heat, stirring, just until melted. Fold in the macaroni until coated with sauce. Spread the macaroni in a 3-quart baking dish.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet. Add the bread crumbs and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until coated. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the remaining 3/4 cup of Parmesan. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and bake for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden and bubbling.
Preheat the broiler. Brown the macaroni under the broiler for 10 to 15 seconds; don't scorch the crumbs. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Serves 8-10.

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