Preacher’s Wife Mac & Cheese

By   , ,   ,

September 20, 2024

This is dedicated to my dear friend Shannon who recently passed away. She sat behind me in homeroom in high school. Both our names started with an Mc. She lit up any room that she walked into with her smile and wild enthusiasm for just about anything. She planned her celebration of life down to the very last detail (and yes, a conga line and bright colorful attire were mentioned), including her famous recipe for this Preacher’s Wife Mac & Cheese, which I of course, immediately volunteered to make. All I can say is that it’s rather lactose-laden with pounds of upmarket cheeses! She made this for many of her friends over the years on special occasions. Tears are not written in the recipe, but truth be told there were a few shed during the making of this. I am not sure how life with be without you in it, but I promise to smile and champagne toast you the next time I make it. I love you Shannon.

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound - pasta any shape

2 tablespoons 1/4 stick of butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 pound may-tag blue cheese (1/4 cup grated - 1/4 cup crumbled on top)

3/4 pound Fontina cheese grated

1/2 pound Gruyere cheese (preferably cave aged)

2 tablespoons chives if desired

Directions

1Preheat oven to 350° F.

2Butter a 13x9x2 glass baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally, About 8 minutes, drain.

3Meanwhile melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour. Cook 1 minute stirring constantly (do not allow to brown).

4Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, whisking occasionally about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add the grated cheeses. Whisk until cheese melts about 2 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

5Add cooked pasta to sauce; stir to coat. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese on top. Bake until sauce begins to bubble and brown. about 25 minutes - sprinkle with chives if desired.

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