“OH this is so Good – Oh this is soooooooo good. . . FORGET THE DIET.  Favorite of mine.  Use Penne or Mostaccioli.  MAKING sure you don’t skimp on cheeses or breading! Let it sit to set before slicing!”

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Those are the words STRAIGHT from the excited mouth of Hj who posted this recipe in our book A Taste of Utica

taste book examiner

On page 109 you will find this recipe for a good old time favorite “Mac n Cheese”. 

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Now I have to admit, macaroni and cheese has never been one of my favorites but this recipe gives it texture and a whole lotta taste.  It really is delicious.  Note:  I used half and half in place of heavy cream and 2% milk instead of whole milk. 

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Makes a 9 x 13 tray of sliceable Macaroni and Cheese Utica style.

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  • 1 lb of Penne or Mostaccioli pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Kosher salt *Be careful with the salt – cheese is very salty.
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • dash garlic powder to taste
  • dash cayenne pepper to taste
  • grated ground nutmeg – just a few quick grates
  • 2 cups Fontina cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded and divided

Combine and mix, then sprinkle of the top:  1 cup of bread crumbs plus 2 TBS fresh parsley-minced.

Preheat the oven to 450 F.  Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with non stick spray.  Whisk the cream, milk, sour cream, eggs, flour, seasonings together in a large bowl while you cook the pasta according to the package directions. 

Stir in 1 cup of Fontina cheese plus 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the cream-milk mixture. 

Add the cooked, rinsed, drained pasta to the bowl and stir well to coat.  Transfer to your prepared 9 x 13 dish.

Sprinkle with remaining cheeses.  Top with the parsley-breadcrumb mix. 

Bake until cheese is bubbly and crumbs are golden,  about 30 minutes.  Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and ENJOY!

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“My sister and I were great fans of Kewpee’s.  Do you remember the waitress who looked like Elizabeth Taylor!”  memories by Rosalie

Are you a fan of Mac N Cheese?  If so, please share your favorite recipe whether it’s one you make yourself, a friend or family member makes or one you get at a really good restaurant. I’d love to hear about it.

Next week:  Italian Style Polenta Casserole.  Hmmm…. should be interesting. Ted and I have rarely enjoyed Polenta but next weeks recipe DOES look good!

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