Hearty Mac N Cheese From The Crows Nest Inn Recipes

OAMC HEARTY MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
• Saute ham and onion in a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 5 minutes; stir in peas and next 3 ingredients. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
• Whisk in flour until smooth.
• Add milk, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat.
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese, stirring until melted.
• Stir in cooked pasta and ham mixture.
• Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Serve immediately.

HEARTY MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9 X 13 baking pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the squash is fully defrosted. Turn the heat up and cook until almost simmering. Add the ricotta cheese. Use an immersion blender to make sure the squash, milk and cheese is nice and smooth (this isn't necessary, but it helped the consistency).
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, mustard and cayenne. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan and olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the mac & cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes to crisp-up the top.