MAC AND CHEESE WITH HAM AND PEAS

MAC AND CHEESE WITH HAM AND PEAS

Mac and Cheese with Ham and Peas is as fun to eat as it is to say. It's one of the best macaroni and cheese recipes because it combines the comforting taste of mac and cheese with tender ham and

tasty peas. The ham adds some protein while the peas make the dish a little healthier. Nobody will mind that this recipe is (relatively) healthier than usual once they take a bite.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound box dried elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

2 cups milk

1 cup sharp Cheddar, shredded

½ cup smoked Gouda, shredded

½ cup American cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

10 ounces cooked ham, diced

¼ cup dry vermouth

1 cup frozen peas

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs



Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray or butter a 13 × 9 inch baking dish.

Put a covered stock pot of water on to boil over high heat.

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a 10-inch skillet. Sauté shallots until golden brown, 2 to 3

minutes. Add ham. Continue to sauté until meat begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add vermouth

and simmer until liquid almost evaporates, about a minute. Add peas and cook a few minutes more.

Meanwhile, over low heat melt the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Combine flour, salt,

pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. When butter has melted, add the flour mixture to the butter and use a whisk to combine to make your roux.

Continue whisking and slowly add the milk, whisking to combine all the ingredients. Turn up the heat slightly and whisking often, thicken the mixture. You may see occasional bubbles, and that’s ok, but you do not want it to boil, just to thicken. When thickened, remove from heat and add the

shredded cheeses, using the whisk to combine until melted and homogenous.

Drain the macaroni (do not rinse, the starch helps the cheese stick to the noodles) and place in a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to coat well.

Stir shallot and pea mixture into macaroni and cheese. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into the 13 × 9 inch pan and top with the panko bread crumbs. Bake 20 minutes.