macaroni and cheese with truffle oil

upon a friend’s recommendation, i googled for recipes with truffle oil, and this recipe for mac and cheese came up. at the litteri’s in ne washington, i found only a tiny bottle for $12.99. "do you have anything cheaper than this?" i asked a cashier, offering my reason for trying it only for the first time and not wanting to disappoint myself in splurging on something as extravagant as a tiny (almost like a tube of mascara) bottle. the cashier shook her head, and proceeded to help me look.

unfortunately, i reluctantly walked out with that $12.99 bottle. days later, i decided it was one of the best investments i ever made.

macaroni and cheese with truffle oil (adapted)

ingredients

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 tbsp all-purpose flour

3 ½ cups warm milk

½ tsp kosher salt

black pepper to taste

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 ounces goat cheese, cut up

2 tbsp truffle oil

8 ounces macaroni

½ cup grated parmesan

directions

1)   preheat the broiler to 400 degrees Fahreheit

2)   spray the casserole dish or pie plate with cooking spray (make sure the dish is broiler-safe)

3)   in a small saucepan, melt butter

4)   stir in flour, mix together to form a roux

5)   add the half of warm milk (you could microwave milk before adding)

6)   using a whisk to make sure you get the sides and bottom of the saucepan, mix well as you add the rest of milk

7)   with a wooden spoon, continuously stir the sauce until it thickens and when tiny bubbles form on the sides – do not BOIL

8)   add salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and goat cheese into the sauce. Mix well until melted and smooth

9)   add the truffle oil

10)   cover and set aside

11)   bring a pot of salted water to a boil to cook macaroni

12)    put the drained macaroni in a large bowl, and place the sauce over it, mixing well

13)    spoon the mixture into a casserole dish

14)    sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top

i'm even having this for lunch today!

15)   broil until the top is crusty and golden (about 6-10minutes), watching the dish carefully – do not let it burn

16)  serve!

credit: cristina ferrare on oprah.com

  

note: it might be wise to take inventory before you start; i looked all over for broiler-safe dish.