Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese

Smokin’ Mac and Cheese

I am not one of those people who usually makes such a rich dish, but it has been requested a few times lately: Cookie Exchange, My Nephews Request, and New Years Eve Pre-party. (See Pics at the bottom.) Each time it’s gotten a little bit better and then New Years Eve version was gone before the person manning the grill tried any!  The types of cheese you use really make this dish, so try a variety to see what you prefer.

 

Ingredients: 

1 pound dried pasta (I prefer whole wheat or tri-colored ziti)

½ stick butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups low-fat milk

4 ounces smoked gouda, shredded

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta to al dente (about 1 minute less than the box requests.)

 

While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large sauce pan. Whisk in the flour and cook the roux, stirring for about five minutes. 

Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until thick.

Slowly add in shredded gouda cheese.  Whisk until smooth. (If too thick, add extra milk.)  Add any salt and pepper needed.

Remove from heat and fold in cooked pasta. 

Put pasta and sauce in 2-quart casserole dish.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

 

Bake for about 15 minutes, until cheddar is melted.  Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving.  

Need a pork recipe?
http://boysandbeets.blogspot.com/2012/09/crockpot-pulled-pork.html

Cookie Exchange Party

Christmas with my nephews

New Years Eve 2013!