While waiting for some family to head over to the house the other day, I decided to just chill, flip through some channels, and settle down a bit.
And naturally, I stopped on the Food Network.
I rarely watch TV nowadays and even the Food Network has less and less captivated me now that the shows aren't as innovative but I still love some of the competitive shows when I get a chance.
Before I go any further, I just have to say I still love Ina Garten. Possibly the only one on that channel that can actually cook pretty darn well and keeping it classy in the Hampton's.
So to continue my 'hang out time' story, Ina Garten's show was on and I decided to make a pit stop and watch it.
She announced she was going to make one of her favorite recipes, the fantastic:
I took one look at the lobster....
And had a major foodgasm.
I am not even kidding!
Even just thinking about it now...
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I just had to have it baaad!
Lobster is one of those delicacies that I WISH I could have everyday. I promise I won't get bored of it! Of course it's expenisve to buy out here in the wonderful sunny state of California so I rarely get to enjoy it. So in the case of wanting to make Lobster Mac and Cheese right then and there, it was impossible.
What is a girl to do?
Well I didn't let it stop me. I just made my own Mac and Cheese, just sadly without the Lobster.
My Macaroni and Cheese is pretty darn good, moist, cheesy, and comforting. Everything it is supposed to have and do. It's open to most pastas. Any cheese you'd like. Perfectly seasoned. Each bite was made to be loved.
PLEASE DON'T BE MAD AT ME! I forgot to snap a pic before the dish was served. I did however get a picture in for Instagram so just find me on there if you need to match the picture with the recipe!
Below I just mention cheese. You can use any of your favorite combinations. This time around, I used Muenster and Mozzarella and sprinkled Parmesan and Crumbled Turkey Bacon on top. Go with what you love.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Serves: 8 people
1 - 1 lb (16 oz) pasta
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp flour
4 cups of milk
1 egg (optional)
~ 4-5 cups of cheese
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Parmesan OR Breadcrumbs OR Crushed Unsalted Pretzel, for topping
Crumbled bacon, for topping (optional)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside.
2) Boil water on the stove, salt it, and cook the pasta noodles. Take off stove after cooking for about 5-7 minutes, drain, and place back into the pot.
3) While noodles are cooking, melt butter over medium heat, add the flour, and make a roux. Once combined, add the milk and mix. If using an egg, mix separately than add to the milk. While the milk is thickening, start seasoning with salt, pepper, mustard, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
4)Once it starts to thicken, add the cheese and combine until melted.
5)When ready, pour over the pasta and make sure every noodle is covered in the sauce. Then get the noodles into the pan, cover with your preferred topping(s), and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
