Oct
6
2008

Famous Gourmet Mac and Cheese, Artisanal Style…

Dinner, Popular | Tags:


Well, we survived day one of Fall Break around here. I even made it through the day without hearing, “I’m bored Mom, what are we going to do today that’s fun?!” So, we’re off to a good start!

While in NYC a couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to dine at Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro with 2 nice ladies from Pillsbury, which was a complete treat! The second you step foot into the quaint restaurant, you are overwhelmed with the smell of crazy cheeses. Some may think it stinks, but something about it reminded me of being in Paris even though I’ve never been. The menu was simple yet impressive and had me drooling trying to decide what to order. I ended up ordering a Summer Vegetable Risotto that was seriously incredible. I nearly licked the bowl clean and didn’t care who was watching. I couldn’t have lived with myself had I not ordered a side of mac and cheese. We heard from numerous people that it’s the best around. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Buttery crispy panko bread crumbs on top and cheesy pasta goodness underneath cooked in the cutest individual baking dishes. It was by far one of my favorite mac and cheeses yet.


The best part of this post is Chef Brennan shares and even demonstrates his famous mac and cheese recipe on howdini.com for all of us to enjoy. I ended up making it 2 different times last week and it tastes identical to one I ordered at the restaurant. Talk about hitting the jackpot! Next time you need to impress some guests, break out this recipe and bring a little fine dining to your kitchen tables!




Chef Terrance Brennan’s Gourmet Mac and Cheese

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

7 ½ Tbs Butter, divided

¼ Cup plus 2 Tablespoons Flour

3 Cups milk

2 ¼ Cups gruyere, shredded

½ Cup mascarpone cheese

¾ Cup bread crumbs

¼ Cup Parmesan Reggiano, grated

salt and fresh ground pepper

  1. Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until it’s al dente, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. While the macaroni is boiling, slowly melt 5 1/2 Tbs of butter over medium high heat in a medium sauce pan.
  3. Add the flour, stirring, cook together for a minute or so. Do not brown the mixture; you want a blonde roux. Add the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a boil and continue whisking. Lower heat and simmer for about five minutes until it thickens.
  4. While the milk is simmering, combine 2 Tbs butter and the bread crumbs, and melt together in a separate pan.
  5. Add the Parmesan cheese. This adds another layer of flavor so it’s not one-dimensional. Just cook until the butter is melted. Remove from heat.
  6. When the milk is ready, add the mascarpone cheese. Then add gruyere cheese and whisk it in, and as soon as until it’s melted, remove from the heat. This will happen quickly because the gruyere cheese should be grated and at room temperature.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce, mix it well, and when it’s nicely incorporated, spoon it out into a cooking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on the top, using your hands to pat it down to make sure it’s nice and evenly dispersed all over the surface. The topping becomes very crunchy when it bakes. Cook for about 35-40 minutes in a 350 degree oven until golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy your mac! I’ll be back with more smack, ok I’m totally lame.


Jenny

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Comments

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  1. 51
    Megan says:

    i’m away at college right now and i have been dying for some of my mom’s mac and cheese. i think i might have her try your recipe next time :) sounds (and looks!) absolutely delicious!

  2. 52
    That Girl says:

    This looks fabulous. My topping never comes out as well.

  3. 53
    Bunny says:

    Oh this looks devine! Next time you make it call me I’ll be there!

  4. 54
    hot garlic says:

    Oh. My. Gosh. HEAVEN! This looks amazing. It would count as dessert, but may be the one dish I would make an exception for on my rule about that!

  5. 55
    Kevin says:

    This mac n cheese sounds so creamy and good!

  6. 56
    Jeena says:

    This is such a comfort food it looks amazing!

  7. 57
    Snooky doodle says:

    Nice recipe. Think its time to try this amzing dish :)

  8. 58
    Potato Chef says:

    I almost fell down laughing when I read, “Back with more smack”!!

    Mac and Cheese…loved it as a kid.
    Still love it as an adult.

  9. 59
    Dawn says:

    Oh yes, this is definitely a good kicked up version of mac & cheese.
    I would eat this with a nice cold glass of white wine. Mmmm, that sounds so good right now. Wine and cheese always go so well together.

  10. 60
    CookiePie says:

    That looks like heaven in a bowl!!!

  11. 61
    Meghan says:

    My mouth is watering over here.
    Ya know, I am only 90 mins from NYC…I see a trip for some of this in my near future!

  12. 62
    jamie j says:

    So, it looks and sounds fabulous….but, I was sorely dissapointed when at the store, buying the indredients realized it would cost me $20.00 or more!!! to make. Sorry, but I just can’t do that with 4 kids and a budget.

  13. 63
    Jenny says:

    Hi Jamie,
    I hear ya, I wish this dish was a little more economical. You’ll have to save it for a special occasion.

  14. 64
    Tiff Gatten says:

    Love your blog. Sadly, I can’t find pumpkin kisses anywhere in Utah. What store did you buy them in? My friend even asked a Hershey Rep. He said he’d never seen them to ask you what store because Hershey does promos for stores.

  15. 65
    Jenny says:

    Hi Tiff,
    I bought mine at Super Target in Gilbert AZ. I had a friend also see them at a Walgreens drug store. Hopefully they’ll get more out. They’d be great for Thanksgiving too!

  16. 66
    tbh says:

    Hi Jenny, I am not normally a Mac & Cheese lover, but it is cold and snowy here in Northern Utah and this looks like the perfect comfort food. I am going to link this recipe to my blog!! Check us out: http://platesandpalates.blogspot.com/.

  17. 67
    Tami says:

    I made the Mac and Cheese tonight for dinner and it was a thumbs up from all. I used low carb pasta for the hubster (no one knew) and it tasted great!! Thanks for the great recipe!!

  18. 68
    Jaime says:

    mmmmm that looks like such great comfort food

  19. 69
    Carrie says:

    So wait, the parm goes in with the breadcrumbs, not the milk mixture, right?

  20. 70
    Jenny says:

    Hi Carrie,
    Yes, the parmesan goes in with the bread crumbs, good luck!

  21. 71
    PheMom says:

    See! This is why I come here! This looks a bit like my favorite recipe (from Martha) but I think I might like this one better. I’m not even kidding though that this is why I come here – I was JUST in the kitchen looking at the mascarpone in my fridge and trying to decide what I was going to make with it. Yay! Thanks for sharing!

  22. 72
    Hangover Cure says:

    Excellent site, added to favorites!

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Welcome to Picky Palate! Kick your feet up and find something good to eat. Now, I know you ALL wear your high heels to the grocery store, I mean who doesn't? Ok, totally kidding :) Unless otherwise noted, the recipes are my creations, Enjoy!

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