With the Superbowl this Sunday, it’s an important time to build the perfect menu! In my house, we have three rules for food when we are entertaining.
- The food must be delicious!
- The food must be fun!!
- And, lastly, the food must require little attention once your guests start to arrive.
These SuperMac and Cheese with Salsa Bites match all of the criteria. They are salty, crisp, warm, gooey, with a kick of spice! Hope you enjoy and have a great time watching the superbowl!
SuperMac and Cheese with Salsa Bites
Fresh Salsa
2 cups diced ripe tomatoes
1 jalepeno pepper finely diced
¼ cup diced red pepper
juice from ½ fresh lime
¼ cup diced bermuda onion (red)
fresh cilantro
finely chopped kosher
salt
pepper
cumin
mix and let stand 15 – 20 minutes before using
mac and cheese
4 cups milk
5 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup (5 tablespooons) flour
kosher salt
white pepper
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 pound pasta, elbow or cavatappi
4 cups shredded cheese (I used 1 cup parmesan, 1 cup asiago, and 2 cups cheddar cheese)
Heat the milk until very hot but not boiling
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook the flour for a few minutes until foamy but not browned.
Whisk in the hot milk and let it come to a boil. Whisk in the salt and pepper and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Let this cook for around 5 minutes.
Bring a large pot of salted (it should taste like ocean water) water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it to al dente according to the pasta’s instruction.
Add the cheese to the hot bechamel, whisking over low heat to melt. Combine the two and add the salsa to taste. ( I added 1 cup of fresh salsa).
Butter mini muffin tins and heap a little mound of mac and cheese. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 15 – 20 minutes right before you want to serve them. I added a little salsa on each for garnish.
Here are a few more fun apps for your viewing pleasure!!
