Konstantina's Mac and Cheese

* SERVES 10-12 AS AN APPETIZER OR 6-8 AS AN ENTREE

INGREDIENTS

1/4 c 4 tbl. unsalted butter

1 clove elephant garlic, minced

I sm. onion, chopped { keep in 2 lots}

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

salt

white pepper

1 qt. chicken broth

1/4 tsp aioli garlic mustard sauce( Trader Joe’s)

1 1/2 c Panko style bread crumbs

4 c whole milk

1/2 c whole cream

6 oz cooked ham cut up into 1/4 “ cubes

6 slices sopressata spiced Italian salami

1 lb Ditalini dried pasta

1/3 c all purpose flour

1 1/2 c whole milk grated mozzarella

1 c medium grated cheddar cheese

1c grated smoked gouda

1c grated havarti

FILLING

  1. In a large saucepan melt 1/8 lb butter over medium heat & add garlic, onion & red pepper flakes. Saute until garlic is soft & fragrant, add bread crumbs & quickly mix then remove mixture to a med. size mixing bowl.

  2. In a medium saucepan combine milk and 1/2 of chopped onion over medium heat. Bring to low boil and reduce to simmer stirring

  3. As the milk simmers, in a large saucepan, add & melt 4 tbls. butter with chopped ham over med-high heat.When half browned, add chopped Sopressata and continue to saute until well browned. Set aside.

  4. Preheat broiler to HIGH

  5. Bring large pot of chicken broth to a boil & add Ditalini & cook according to package directions.

SAUCE

  1. As the pasta cooks, melt the 1/4 c butter in a sauce pan over med heat & add the flour a bit at a time after the butter is sizzling. whisk constantly to form a paste.

  2. Incorporate the warm, onion infused milk a cup at a time, constantly stirring (a whisk works best) to avoid lumps.

  3. Then add Mozzarella, Gouda, Havarti & cheddar 1 c at a time, stirring to incorporate each as added.

FINISHING TOUCH

  1. When the pasta is done, strain it and add it to the cheese sauce & mix well. & pour into a lightly greased baking dish.[For appetizer portions, I recommend ramekins, for the meal, a medium sized baking dish. ( The consistency, seems to be better with the ramekins)]

  2. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the ramekins and tap down to embed the crumbs and even the surface; as with the baking dish portion.

  3. Broil until the crumbs are golden (about 5-10 min) & cheese bubbles.

  4. Keep warm until serving in a heated/warm oven.

ENJOY!!!

Chris RobinsonComment