Spicy Macaroni & Cheese

This is baking, but on the savory side! It gave Beth and I something to eat as we made everything else today! It does make quite a lot, too! we could have fed 4 people a whole meal of it and had plenty, so be prepared for leftovers! I found the recipe at http://www.foodnetwork.com a long time ago. I’m not sure if it is still there or not.

Here’s the recipe:

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe Summary Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Yield: 6 to 8 servings

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeño chilies, to taste or 1 to 2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 5 cups milk 1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, juice discarded and tomatoes chopped and drained well 1 pound elbow macaroni 2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack (about 8ounces) 2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar (about 8 ounces) 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1/4 pound) In a large heavy saucepan cook the onion, the garlic, the jalapeños, or chipotle in butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, stir in the flour, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the milk in a stream, whisking, bring the liquid to a boil, whisking, and whisk in the tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes and salt and pepper to taste. In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the macaroni for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it is barely al dente, drain it well, and in a large bowl combine it with the tomato mixture. Stir in the Monterey Jack and the cheddar and transfer the mixture to a buttered 13 to 14 by 9-inch shallow baking dish or 3-quart gratin dish. In a bowl stir together the bread crumbs and the Parmesan, sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture, and bake the macaroni and cheese in the middle of a preheated 375 degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is golden and bubbly.

This recipe took a little time, but was well worth it! the mac ‘n’ cheese was fantastic! had just a little kick to it. I think I may try it again and put hamburger or a spicy sausage in it to make it a meal. And maybe a little cayenne pepper on top… Mmm!