City Hall Macaroni and Cheese

(from saymyname’s recipe box)

Source: From Chef Henry Archer Meer of the Manhatten restaurant, City Hall.

Serves 8 people

Categories: Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Main Dish, Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne rigate
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 cups grated American cheese
  • 1 1/3 cups grated monterey jack cheese
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°; butter a 13×9 inch baking dish.

  2. Bring 6 quarts of salted water to boiling; add in the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, 9-10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

  3. In a large saucepan, combine the cream, milk, cayenne, and nutmeg over medium-high heat; reduce by half (the author says about 15 minutes but I don?t know); once the mixture starts to simmer, stir to break the layer of foam so that it will not boil over.

  4. Lower heat to medium-low; add in the American and Monterey Jack cheeses; whisk until well blended.

  5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  6. Add the penne to the sauce; stir vigorously (taking care not to break the pasta); this will release starch and help thicken the sauce.

  7. Transfer mixture to the baking dish; combine the panko, parsley, and parmesan; sprinkle over the pasta.

  8. Bake 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

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