S’MAC ‘N CHEESE

Since my Caitlin is a huge mac ‘n cheese fan I decided to feature this recipe today. It brings back memories of a New York city trip we took to track down the restaurant, S’MAC. Served with a side salad this can be a meal or in a smaller portion an unexpected side dish. I recommend a high quality smoked cheese like the Tillamook brand or the smoked gouda from Revittle

[recipe title=”Smokehouse Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet” servings=”8″]

8 slices applewood smoked bacon, diced

1 ¾ cups (6 oz) elbow macaroni, cooked

1 cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese

4 ounces cream cheese, cubed

¼ cup chopped green onions, plus additional for garnish

6 eggs, divided

3 cups milk, divided

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 (7 oz) package Martha White Sweet Yellow Cornbread & Muffin Mix

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

fresh herbs for garnish

Heat oven 400F. Cook bacon in a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate; set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from skillet. On medium heat, add cooked macaroni, smoked cheese, pepperjack cheese and cream cheese, stirring, until cheese begins to melt. Beat 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper; pour into skillet. Add green onions. Cook, stirring, macaroni mixture for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is well blended. Turn off heat. Spread macaroni evenly over bottom of skillet. Reserve ¼ cup of bacon. Sprinkle remaining bacon evenly over macaroni. In a blender, combine remaining 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper, cornbread mix and smoked paprika; blend until mixture is smooth and well mixed. Immediately pour over macaroni in skillet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Garnish with remaining bacon, green onions and fresh herbs. Serve from skillet. [/recipe]

Better than gold is quality time spent with those you love most.

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