Mac & Cheese

Mac & cheese gets sharpness from local Bothwell Old Cheddar cheese and crunch from a crumbly pretzel topping.

Chef Camila Gamboa
Marion Street Eatery

Ingredients
1 cup canola oil
2 cups all purpose flour
4 cups milk, brought to a simmer
3 cups shredded Bothwell Old Cheddar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 strips bacon, diced
1 cup broccoli, cooked and cooled
4 cups macaroni, cooked and cooled
2 Tbsp crushed honey mustard pretzels

Method

1. In a pot over medium heat, mix together oil and flour. Continue mixing over medium heat for 4 minutes, making a roux.
2. Slowly add hot milk to the roux, whisking until well combined. Whisk continuously to avoid burning the sauce.
3. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until well combined. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large pan, saute diced bacon and cooked broccoli until golden brown. Add cheese sauce and cooked macaroni to same pan. Mix the mac & cheese until well combined.
6. Divide into 4 cast iron skillets and top with shredded cheese and honey mustard pretzels.
7. Bake in oven at 350°F for five minutes.

Yield 4 servings mac & cheese