Oct 24, 2011

TOP SECRET!

Everybody knows that Panera Bread makes the most wicked, creamy, delicious macaroni and cheese currently available to Earthlings.  Unfortunately, it is also among the most expensive substances known to man.  If you only had the ultimate, gooey, cheesy top secret recipe yourself, just think how great it would be to be able to reconstruct the art that is Panera Bread macaroni and cheese in your own kitchen!  Well, it’s possible, or darn near it, thanks to our technicians who spend a good part of the weekend creating the ultimate copy-cat recipe for this coveted dish.  

You’ll need:

16 ounces of medium pasta shells

5 ounces vermont white cheddar cheese

6 slices of white american cheese

4 1/2 TBSP flour

5 TBSP butter

1 1/4 c milk

1 cup heavy cream

salt

white pepper

This is easy!  First, cook that pasta for about 11- 12 minutes on a high boil, and drain without rinsing.   Next, put the flour and butter into a large Pyrex dish and microwave on high for one minute, then whisk.  Repeat once, then slowly start adding the milk and heavy cream, whisking the whole while, until it’s all well blended.  You will then need to place this back into the microwave on high for one minute, about 4 times total.  Between each minute, whisk vigorously.  You will notice that the fourth time you remove it from the microwave, the white sauce (called a roux) will have become thick and creamy.

Now, add the cheeses. You should crate or crumble the Vermont white cheddar, and the American cheese is easy to melt into the hot roux you have just removed from the microwave.  It should all melt without much trouble, but if it doesn’t for some reason feel free to microwave it a little more.  Add some salt and white pepper, and stir it all up until everything is very smooth and well blended, then pour this creamy, cheesy sauce over the hot pasta shells, and voila!  The only thing that could make this comfort food any more cozy is the peaceful feeling of knowing your home is protected by adt home security.