California Truffled Macaroni and Cheese
(from saymyname’s recipe box)
Source: Tim Goodell, chef-owner of Aubergine (New Port Beach), Troquet (Costa Mesa), and Red Pearl Kitchen (Huntington Beach).
Serves 6 peopleCategories: Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 quarts whole milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1/4 lb montgomery cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch dice (or use a mild Cheddar)
- 2 ounces gorgonzola, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon black truffle oil
- kosher salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 1/4 cup panko
- fresh chives
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°; lightly butter a 13×9 inch baking dish and place on a foil-lined sheet pan.
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Bring a large pot of water to boiling over high heat; cook pasta until al dente-8 to 10 minutes; drain.
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In a saucepan over med-high heat, heat the milk until almost scalding.
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In another saucepan over med-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter; add to it the flour; cook/stir until smooth and straw-colored, about 3 minutes.
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Increase heat to medium; whisk the hot milk into the flour mixture and continue whisking until smooth.
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Slowly bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to make sure the milk at the bottom doesn?t burn; then remove from heat.
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Add in the garlic, sharp Cheddar, Montgomery Cheddar, and Gorgonzola cheese; mix carefully.
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Add in the Tabasco and truffle oil; season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in the cooked macaroni. 10 Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
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Combine the Parmigiano-Reggiano and panko; sprinkle over the macaroni mixture. Bake 15-20 minutes, until bubbling and browned.
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Garnish individual servings with chives.