warm, cozy essentials: baked mac and cheese

How To Make warm, cozy essentials: baked mac and cheese

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  The Pasta Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, and for the record, the most ubiquitous form is elbow. I am using fusilli because the corkscrew shape of this pasta holds onto the cheese sauce in ways that elbow macaroni just cannot do. But the choice is up to you… Choose wisely.
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  Step 3
  The Cheese The cheese I am using is a powdered version of sharp cheddar, and I use powdered versions of cheese and other dairy products in many of my creations. My seller of choice is Hoosier Hills. When it comes to powdered cheeses and other dairy products, in my opinion, no one does it better. For example, their sharp cheddar powder (which I am using in this recipe) tastes just like a sharp cheddar, fresh off of a Wisconsin farm… made from happy cows.
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  Step 4
  The Optional Ingredients This time of the year, with the temps dropping, I like to use all of the optional ingredients. I think they ground this dish, and give it a fulfilling, satisfying taste, that gives comfort, even on the gloomiest of days.
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  Step 5
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 6
  Place a rack in the middle position, then preheat the oven to 400 F/205 C.
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  Step 7
  Bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, then add in a pinch or two of salt. When the water comes to the boil, add the pasta and cook until a minute or so short of al dente.
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  Step 8
  Check the package directions to get the proper time.
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  Step 9
  Drain the pasta and set aside.
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  Step 10
  Remove all but 2 cups of the pasta water from the pot, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the powdered cheese. Whisk until the mixture is creamy, and there are no lumps. Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, and pepper, then stir until smooth.
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  Step 11
  Gently add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, then pour the mixture into the baking dish.
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  Step 12
  Place in the preheated oven, and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden, about 18 – 20 minutes. FYI: If you want a bit of crunch, add Panko bread crumbs before baking.
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  Step 13
  You can refrigerate leftovers using an airtight container for 4 – 6 days. For creamier leftovers, add a splash more water when you reheat.
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  Step 14
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 15
  Serve while nice and hot. Enjoy.
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  Step 16
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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  Step 17
  Namaste’
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