Monday, November 7, 2011

Secret Recipe Club: Creamy Mac n' Cheese


With all of the craziness of my schedule, it's nice to still be able to do Secret Recipe Club.  To not think about school, or work, or anything.  Anything except exploring another blogger's site and making something delicious!

This was just the case with my assignment this month.  I got to explore Crystal from Mrs. Happy Homemaker's blog and was definitely impressed!  I found meals that were just the epitome of comfort foods and lots of things that made me smile.  It was a hard decision, with things like Deviled Egg Spiders to Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing!  She even has updates on good deals and coupons, as well as DIY craft ideas (quite kid friendly!).  There's lots to explore over there, and I could definitely get lost for hours on her site.

Ultimately, I chose something that has always been comforting to me - Mac n' cheese.  Crystal's quest for the ultimate mac had me quite intrigued and I decided to give it a try (especially since we just learned about bechamel and this had a bechamel base!).  So I used what I had on hand - I replaced the 3 cups of cheddar with a nice block of gouda and gave it a little kick with some cayenne because I dig a spicy mac!

Ingredients:
Adapted from Mrs. Happy Homemaker's Recipe

1 lb. fusilli pasta
1 oz. flour
1 oz. unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon hot Spanish paprika
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups milk (I used 2% so it took a little longer to thicken)
3 cups gouda, shredded
6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup garlic bread crumbs

1 cup grated sharp cheddar for topping
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain.

Preheat oven to broil.
 

Meanwhile, in a large, nonstick pot over medium high heat, add butter.  Let it warm up and then whisk in flour, paprika, mustard powder, cayenne, and nutmeg.  Cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to turn a pale white.  You've got the start of a white roux (except it'll be a tad red because of the paprika and the cayenne)!

Slowly add little increments of the milk so the roux doesn't get lumpy, and once you have a smooth mixture, add the rest of the milk.  Bring mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Cook until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese and the gouda. It will melt without being on the burner.

Mix cooked pasta with sauce and place into a greased baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs and parmesan. Broil until brown and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.




This was some great mac!  It was definitely creamy and full of tons of flavor.  I'll be making this again, that's for sure!  Hope everyone has a great start to their week - I know I did!






80 comments:

  1. Yum, this looks delicious...love gouda in mac & cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am in a "melted cheese" phase. If melted cheese is in it - I must have it. This lovely creamy mac 'n cheese is no exception!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've missed your beautiful food pictures! That first picture is so pretty...prettiest mac and cheese I've ever seen! I'm not a cheese-eater, but my sister loves it, so I'm going to email this recipe to her.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am glad you were able to find a comforting food in your hectic schedule. This looks like the ultimate mac'n cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Though we don't eat much mac at home as we are more into rice, I sure like the finishing with the cheese on top.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yum, great choice, Peggy! I love gouda but have never had it in mac and cheese before. Yours looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yum! I haven't made mac and cheese for a while. Maybe I'll put this recipe on my list.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You couldn't have picked a better time to post this; I wanted to surprise my husband with a good creamy mac and cheese.
    I really think you are pretty good to find time to come and post. Take care; enjoy Peggy.
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  9. This looks delicious! I love that you kicked it up a notch with cayenne!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm always on the quest for the perfect mac'n'cheese too. Since I have yet to find it, maybe I'll have to try this iteration!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This looks delicious! I'm always looking for a mac n' cheese recipe that my husband and I both like. I love the idea of adding gouda and cayenne.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mmmmm....mac and cheese-I want!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your mac&cheese looks sooo good! I only wish I could eat the cheese. I’m not allergic or something, it’s just that I don’t like cheese. Yes I know I’ve been missing out so I’ve been trying to eat it...and I love it…but only when it’s crispy out of the oven.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great pick. This sounds like a wonderfully creamy mac n' cheese, which is exactly how I like it! Love the idea of swapping out the usual cheddar with a more interesting cheese like gouda. Must try this out next time I'm craving cheesy, gooey comfort food.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's hard to pass up Mac & cheese, looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  16. delicious looking dishes and macaroni

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love mac & cheese and yours looks wonderful!

    If you haven't already, I'd love for you to check out my SRC recipe this month: Pork Belly Soup with Collard Greens.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

    ReplyDelete
  18. Homemade mac and cheese is the best! I love how creamy it looks...yum!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mmmmm mac & cheese! The perfect comfort food! :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mmmm, this looks fantastic! Mac and cheese really is the best! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fantastic!!....I`m having a draw....if you want to participate leave a comment in my last post!.........Abrazotes, Marcela

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have seen about a million mac and cheese recipes today. I think I know what I'm having for dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This does look to be a great version of mac n cheese. I think it is the spices that intrigue me about this, however your picture does help influence. Thanks for pulling this one out for SRC-delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love that you used gouda in it - I'm going to have to try that myself!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Mmm I love a good mac 'n cheese!! I love how creamy this looks, yet has a nice crispy top...perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Delicious comfort food. Love your version.

    ReplyDelete
  27. GREAT recipe and pictures! Anyone on a quest for the perfect mac & cheese deserves attention!

    ReplyDelete
  28. There's nothing better than homemade mac n' cheese! This looks amazingly good :) Thanks for sharing, God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  29. you can always tempt me with mac and cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sounds like a nice blog to visit. This mac and cheese looks amazing...must try it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Homemade mac and cheese is the best! I love to u add mustard powder it's give nice taste....yum!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Using a bechemel to make mac/cheese sounds like a great creamy idea.

    ReplyDelete
  33. mac and cheese is ALWAYS - A.L.W.A.Y.S. - a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Such a great mac & cheese recipe! I love that you spiced it up with cayenne!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow...I'm drooling! Mac and cheese remains one of my favorite dishes. Thank you for sharing your creativity with me. Your blog is a great way to start my weekend. I hope your weekend is relaxing and that you get to bake some yummy treats!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I do love a good creamy mac and cheese. My daughter would love this one.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a great SRC pick!! I love mac and cheese and always enjoy a spicy kick. This looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi if u like plz follow me..... http://www.facebook.com/people/Vegetarian-Cooking-Diarys/100002691309744

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am sold! This mac and cheese looks extremely delicious and comforting.Love the last click, so tempting!

    ReplyDelete
  40. This definitely has my mouth watering! I love some spice in my mac & cheese too...this looks perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Your mac and cheese looks fabulous! I love the idea of using Gouda....yum!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great mac and cheese recipe,I love using more spice in it,looks so creamy and tasty :)
    Ridwan

    ReplyDelete
  43. With gouda in the mix, this has to be fantastic. I love the crunchy color on the top of the casserole - it's my favorite part of mac & cheese.

    ReplyDelete
  44. YUMMMMM!!!!!!
    This looks delicious....
    Perfect... Creamy and Cozy as it should be...

    ReplyDelete
  45. Im sure I"ll loves this version of mac 'n cheese peggy!! the baking version including my fav seasoning - chayenne & paprika!
    Tq fr sharing the recipe dear! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  46. This is one of my all time favorite comfort foods...especially during the winter time when it is cold outside. I just want to be wrapped in a warm blanket with a bowl of comfort food like mac and cheese! =)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Mac n cheese is my favorite indulgence. YUMM. So creamy!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Looks so creamy and delicious! YUM!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great pic, Peggy! This mac and cheese looks like it has the perfect amount of cheese and flavor and I like the spicy kick!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Yummmm! This looks absolutely delish! :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Yummy, looks so delicious. I also posted a mac and cheese recipe. Gouda seems like a good idea, definitely going to try it out!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Lovely comfort meal! I like how you choose 3 kinds and Gouda as your first choice of cheese. I love smoked gouda but have never used it for mac and cheese. I'd definitely need to test it out. So as mustard powder and Spanish paprika! I should try this very soon since the weather is perfect for this kind of meal!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Isn't it funny as today's temperatures have suddenly dropped to a depressing chill, this looks just the perfect meal for tonight. Hot melted cheese with the added hot kick to it sounds ideal for a real comfort. Looks super!

    ReplyDelete
  54. It must be a winter weather creamy mac and cheese kind of week because even though I just posted a recipe, I saw this and immediately wanted a bowl! (that or Im just a fat kid) ;D

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is perfect comfort food! I wish this could be my lunch today. The added cayenne sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Looks amazing, I love a good mac & cheese....so comforting!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hot damn, that's some awesome looking mac n'cheese! I've never had mine with pumpkin before but it sounds amazing :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love mac n cheese. It's been too long since I've had any so I'd better get onto it soon! I like the paprika addition.

    ReplyDelete
  59. A perfect recipe for this time of year. It sounds easy and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  60. delicious looking flavourful mac and cheese

    ReplyDelete
  61. Sounds so flavorful! Would love to have it for lunh now!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Peggy,

    Your creamy mac n' cheese looks yum! A perfect comfort food.

    --------------------------------
    Regards
    Spoon and Chopsticks
    http://spoon-and-chopsticks.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Mac and cheese is my favorite holiday dish! And yours looks WONDER-ful! Mmmmmmmmm :D

    ReplyDelete
  64. Great recipe ! I made it! It`s delicious!!! And it looks great , too!

    ReplyDelete
  65. great recipe! :) that cheese looks sooo... well cheesy beautiful! :D
    -
    Kavi | Edible Entertainment
    Ongoing event: Healthy Lunch Challenge

    ReplyDelete
  66. I LOVE mac and cheese, it never gets old. It can never be too cheesy either in my opinion. This looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing! =]

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hello, new here. Your mac & cheese looks delish and I love that you added gouda. Still the best comfort food. Happy Thanksgiving!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Hi Peggy! It's been a while since I've commented, know that I've been reading! This mac and cheese sounds so good. The toasted breadcrumbs are perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Lovely post, Peggy. I too am on a quest for the ultimate Mac n Cheese. This looks pretty close to the holy grail of Mac n Cheese. Hope you're having a good week.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I love how this is spiced - creamy - but with a little bite. As I prep for Thanksgiving, this mac n' cheese is calling to me. I'd consider serving it for Thanksgiving but there'd be a mutiny.

    ReplyDelete
  71. This looks delicious! My mom made mac n' cheese today, but it was no match for yours.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Just back to wish you a fabulous Thanksgiving!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. This looks so delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.

    ReplyDelete
  74. This sounds wonderful! I love the addition of the spices, especially the paprika!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I am SUCH a sucker for mac and cheese! This sounds so good... great SRC choice!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I just made it, although I substituted the gouda for a mixture of shredded cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses. This is a really easy and incredibly delicious recipe. thanks!!

    ReplyDelete