The Joy of Homely Cravings
Today, my craving was unmistakable – that age-old comfort of macaroni and cheese. Yet, I craved a twist. Thus, I dived into creating mac ‘n cheese with a nutty almond twist. Each mouthful harmonized creamy decadence with the inviting crunch of almond. The gentle nutty undertone complemented the velvety, cheesy essence beautifully.
A Not-So-Secret Ingredient
The magic element in my macaroni creation? It’s the zingy Dijon mustard. While I’m not claiming pioneer status for this addition, if it’s new to your culinary repertoire, let me assure you, you’re in for a treat. It brings a vibrancy that reminds you of the gourmet delight you’re indulging in over the usual store-bought fare.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. elbow macaroni or your preferred short pasta (350g)
- 2 cups milk (475 ml)
- 3 tablespoons butter (55g, and a tad extra for the baking dish preparation)
- 3 tablespoons flour (23g)
- 1 3/4 cups of your favorite shredded cheese (roughly 150g)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Seasoning: salt and pepper
- A generous sprinkle of finely ground almonds
Cooking Steps
- Initiate by boiling a pot of salted water. Add in the pasta and cook it just a notch below al dente. Once done, drain and give the pasta a cold water rinse to halt the cooking. Meanwhile, set your oven at a toasty 400 degrees.
- Using a saucepan of medium size, gently heat the milk till it’s on the verge of simmering. Switch off the burner and keep it aside. Concurrently, in a spacious pot at medium heat, melt down the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and sauté for around 2 minutes until you see a light brown roux forming. Pour in the slightly simmered milk, whisking continuously for about 3 minutes to achieve a thick, velvety consistency.
- Blend in the shredded cheese and Dijon mustard. Stir until you get a beautifully cohesive mixture. Now, introduce the pasta to this cheesy haven and mix well. Transfer the medley into a butter-greased baking dish, crown it with the almond grounds, and let it bake for approximately 25 minutes until you see a bubbly surface.
Elevate Your Mac n’ Cheese Experience
Why stop at just the basics when you can elevate your culinary delights? Remember, food isn’t just about satiating hunger; it’s an experience. This almond-crusted mac n’ cheese not only offers a gourmet taste but is also packed with the nutritional benefits of almonds – from being heart-healthy to boosting brain power. So, the next time you’re looking for comfort food with a touch of elegance and health, you know what to cook. Enjoy your meal and the compliments that come with it!