My Mom was one of THE best cooks I know and I have hoards of folks to back me up on that one. Cooking with her recipes helps me reconnect with her now that she is no longer with us. This is one of her recipes that’s great for the holidays and parties because you can make it ahead of time and just throw it in the oven before company comes over.
The combination of cheddar and mascarpone cheese is just magic. The Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese creates an amazing crust that everyone will fight over.
{I haven’t photographed this recipe yet but will add a photo once I do. Until then, I have included a picture of my mom when I was a child.}
Maggi’s Mac & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
(1) box penne pasta
(1) quart of 2% milk
(1) 10 ounce block of Kraft Extra Sharp Vermont Cheddar (white)
4 ounces of mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup of flour
(4) tablespoons of butter
salt and pepper to taste
Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese
Directions:
Melt butter in medium pan. Add flour and stir for several minutes over medium heat.
Add milk, a little at a time, using a whisk until all milk is incorporated. Turn off heat.
Grate cheese (or if using already grated) and add to milk. Stir in marscapone. Add 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
Cook pasta until really al dente (take at least 2 minutes off cook time).
Poor pasta into a buttered (or Pam sprayed) 9×13 baking dish
Pour cheese sauce over and mix well.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
Bake @ 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
As the great chef, Lidia Bastianich, says at the end of her show: “Tutti a tavola a mangiare!,” which translates to “Everyone to the table to eat!”
If you make this recipe and enjoy, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Do you have an amazing recipe you would like to share? Please feel free to leave it in the comments.
