Twisty Mac and Cheese

I have very fond memories of eating macaroni cheese as a kid for lunch. Sitting around the family table, and being hungry as. Coming from a family of 6, food had to be cooked in big quantities, and this is something that can be prepared so easily and quickly.  There is something very comforting about cheesey pasta and satisfies any appetite.  It makes an ideal snack after uni or work.

I’m not a big fan of the small macaroni shapes, so  I usually use penne pasta.  The other day I decided to try something different and I found a very twisty pasta, called Tortiglioni.  I used the Diamond brand, so I thought I would give it a go and share it with you.

As with any cooking, you can adapt this recipe to you own taste buds.

Before I share my recipe, here a few tips before you start:

• Read the recipe before you start cooking
• Get all the ingredients out and measure before you start cooking
• Get out the equipment required for cooking and serving dishes
• Planning ahead is key for successful cooking

TWISTY MAC AND CHEESE SNACK

Serves 2

PASTA

To a large pan of boiling water add 1 tsp of salt, and slowly add 1 cup of Tortiglioni/ pasta shapes of your choice.

Keep pasta on a high boil for 9-10 minutes or as recommended on the packet. The pasta should be cooked  when “al-dente”, when it’s firm to the bite.

Once the pasta is cooked drain in a colander and return to the cooking pan with some of the cooking liquid.  Keeping some of the cooking liquid will prevent the pasta from sticking together.

SAUCE

While the pasta is cooking make the sauce:

3/4 cup milk

1 1/2 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tbsp flour

1/2 cup of grated cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Extra garnishes of your choice: parsley, chopped shaved ham, grated parmesan cheese

Put the milk, butter and flour in a medium saucepan and put on stove top on a medium heat.  Whisk the mixture constantly until it starts to bubble.  When the sauce is bubbling, turn heat down and cook for 30 seconds.  Add the cheese, and stir until combined and smooth. Take off heat.  Add some pepper and salt.  Taste, and adjust seasonings. Put aside.

Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Make sure to get rid of all liquid the pasta is sitting in.

Stir in any extras, eg chopped ham, cooked mushrooms.  Cooked bacon is a delicious addition.  Garnish with parsley, and enjoy.