Tini’s Mac & Cheese
Description:
Tini’s Mac & Cheese is a creamy, indulgent, and cheesy dish made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This dish is known for its smooth texture and hearty flavor, combining the goodness of cheddar, milk, and butter, all baked together for a perfect comfort food experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces (1 can) evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Slowly add the evaporated milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually incorporate the shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
A Brief History:
The origins of mac and cheese trace back to 13th or 14th-century Italy, where a dish resembling modern mac and cheese was first recorded. It later became a French staple and was introduced to America by Thomas Jefferson, who encountered it in Paris and brought the recipe back to the U.S.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese represents a modern twist on this classic comfort food, reflecting the evolving nature of culinary traditions.
Note: While Tini’s Mac & Cheese has received acclaim for its rich flavor, some viewers have reported issues with the sauce’s consistency, such as graininess or color changes. Factors like the temperature of the cheese and the order of ingredient incorporation can influence the final result.
