Mac And Smoked Cheese

This recipe is the one used by our chef at the March 2024 Mac and Cheese Cook Off at Henry of Pelham Winery.

INGREDIENTS

4 tbs unsalted butter

2 3/4 cups milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups grated Jordan Station

1 cup grated Smoked Comfort Cream

1/2 pound macaroni

1 shallot, peeled and halved

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved, 2 bay leaves, 6 sprigs of thyme

1/4 tsp black peppercorns, sea salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

ASSEMBLE AROMATICS: Place shallot, garlic, thyme & peppercorns on cheesecloth. Roll up contents & tie it up with butcher's twine.

HKAT MILK: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, add the aromatics & heat milk.

MELT BUTTER & WHISK IN FLOUR: Melt 4 tbs of unsalted butter in a high-sided skillet aver medius heat, When the butter bubbles, add flour. Cook whisking for 1 minute.

ADD HOT MILK & WHISK UNTH, SAUCE IS THICK: Remove aromatics from milk. While whisking. slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick,

STIL IN CHEESES (YAY CHEESE): Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated Jordan Station and Smoked Comfort Cream, Season with salt to taste.

COOK MACARONI: Bring large pot to boil and follow pasta cooking directions.

SAUCE THE NOODLES: Stir in strained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Season to taste.