Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chow-chow relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
6. Cook the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add the chow-chow relish to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
9. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
11. Pour the mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
12. Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer instead of elbow macaroni.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of cheddar cheese.
- You can use any type of relish you prefer instead of chow-chow relish.
Variations:
- You can add cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or green onions to the mac and cheese for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use whole milk for a creamier cheese sauce.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top the mac and cheese with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve the mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add more cheese sauce or milk to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the mac and cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Chow-chow relish is a Southern condiment made with pickled vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, and peppers.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mac and cheese as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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