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Mac and Cheese

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes   A firm family favourite that can be prepared in advance and cooked just before dinner time.

INGREDIENTS

  • 200 g (2 cups) macaroni
  • 250 g (1 packet) streaky bacon
  • 2 (1 tablespoon) garlic cloves, crushed
  • 100 g (heaped cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 250 g (2 heaped cups) Clover Cheddar, grated
  • water
  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) salt
  • 120 g (heaped 1/2 cup) Clover Classic Mayonnaise, Medium
  • 125 ml (1/2 cup) Clover Fresh Full Cream Milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
  • handful chives, finely chopped
  • handful thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 180 ̊C.
  2. Cook the macaroni pasta according to the packet instructions.
  3. Drain water and return the pasta to the pot.
  4. Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a non-stick pan until crispy. Remove from the pan but reserve the bacon juices.
  5. Fry the garlic in the bacon juices until fragrant, set aside.
  6. Once the bacon has cooled, chop into bits.
  7. Combine mayonnaise, milk, and smoked paprika in a bowl and mix well to make a sauce.
  8. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the pasta followed by the bacon, garlic (with bacon juices) three-quarters of the grated cheeses, and all the herbs (reserve some chives for garnish). Stir to combine.
  9. Season well with salt and pepper.
  10. Scoop the macaroni mix into an oven-proof baking dish.
  11. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 10 –15 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Garnish with a few chopped chives and serve hot.

 

TIPS:

  • Serve with a side salad of green leaves dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.
  • Fry chopped chilli along with the garlic for a spicy version.

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