Mac & Cheese
Someone I met in Palermo once told me that the secret of good Italian dishes is put more of everything in and so it is with this mac and cheese recipe. Theres masses of cheese and plenty of smoked bacon. Equipment you will need a 35x20cm/14x8in ovenproof dish.
Someone I met in Palermo once told me that the secret of good Italian dishes is put more of everything in and so it is with this mac and cheese recipe. Theres masses of cheese and plenty of smoked bacon. Equipment you will need a 35x20cm/14x8in ovenproof dish.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 leaf
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 100 g/3â½oz butter plus extra for greasing
- 100 g/3â½oz plain flour
- 1.2 pints full-fat milk
- 75 oz double cream
- 400 g/14oz mature cheddar grated
- 500 g/1lb 2oz dried macaroni
- 100 g/3â½oz smoked bacon lardons or smoked pancetta cub
- 60 g/2â¼oz white breadcrumbs
- 50 g/1â¾oz parmesan grated
- Carbohydrate 9.93131284779167 g
- Cholesterol 485.4855830875 mg
- Fat 131.149961004167 g
- Fiber 0.0274999996026357 g
- Protein 7.30098196104167 g
- Saturated Fat 81.6203436715667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (356g)
- Sodium 531.698568058333 mg
- Sugar 9.90381284818903 g
- Trans Fat 6.76286959268334 g
- Calories 1223 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6 and grease a 35x20cm/14x8in ovenproof dish.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the mustard, take the pan off the heat and gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Add the bay leaf.
- Put the pan back over the heat, stirring constantly, until it boils and thickens. Take the pan off the heat again, remove the bay leaf and add the cheddar. Stir until the cheese has melted. Season with lots of black pepper and some nutmeg.
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and stir in the macaroni. Cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente, drain well and add to the sauce.
- Fry the bacon in a frying pan until crisp. Stir into the macaroni cheese and pour the mixture into the ovenproof dish.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan and scatter over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden-brown and bubbling. Serve immediately.
My Indulgent Mac & Cheese Adventure: A Recipe for Comfort and Excess
As a busy working mom, finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury I rarely afford myself. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present demands of a modern life. Yet, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating a delicious meal from scratch – a feeling that far outweighs the convenience of takeout. This mac and cheese recipe isn't just another dish; it’s an experience, a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to extraordinary heights.
The inspiration struck during a recent trip to Italy – the land of culinary dreams. A chance encounter with a passionate Palermo local sparked a conversation about food, and their words resonated deeply within me. They revealed the secret to truly exceptional Italian cooking: esagera, meaning "exaggerate." Embrace abundance. Don't hold back. This philosophy transformed my approach to this classic comfort food. I decided to create a mac and cheese that wasn't merely satisfying, but utterly decadent.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. The key, I've discovered, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the willingness to truly indulge. Begin by creating a creamy cheese sauce, building a luscious base for the dish. The addition of smoked bacon infuses the sauce with a smoky depth that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. The mature cheddar cheese provides a rich sharpness, while the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth. And let's not forget the crucial step of perfectly cooked macaroni – al dente and perfectly coated in the heavenly cheese sauce.
While the recipe suggests a specific ovenproof dish, don't let that limit you. I often adapt it based on what I have available. A cast-iron skillet works just as well, providing a beautiful golden-brown crust. The topping of breadcrumbs and parmesan creates the perfect textural contrast, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy richness.
The aroma that fills the kitchen as this mac & cheese bakes is nothing short of intoxicating. It's a symphony of cheese, bacon, and comforting warmth. The final result is a dish that transcends the mundane; it's a culinary hug in a bowl, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed by generous portions and a touch of love.
This mac and cheese recipe is a testament to the power of embracing abundance in cooking. It’s a recipe that speaks to my need for comfort food after a long day, a dish that allows me to reconnect with my own culinary creativity, and a simple yet profound reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come from taking a moment to add a little extra love to a classic.
Beyond the recipe, I invite you to consider what esagera means to you in your cooking. Is it about using the highest quality ingredients? Is it about the generous use of herbs and spices? Or perhaps it's simply about taking the time to savor each element of the cooking process? Experiment, find your own balance, and discover the joy of culinary abundance.
This recipe is more than just food; it's a feeling, a comfort, a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time for a little indulgence. I hope this inspires you to create your own version, to find your own esagera moment in the kitchen.
