Cheesy Makeover
Mac and cheese is in for an upgrade
CAJUN
Cook the macaroni according to instructions on the package. Drain and return it to the saucepan along with the cheese in the packet, three tablespoons of milk and two tablespoons of butter. Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add some chopped onions and spring onions, and sauté until they’re translucent and fragrant. Add ½ a cup of diced bell pepper and sauté it until it’s tender. Add some sliced sausages and cook until it’s done. Season the dish with cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning. Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the prepared macaroni. Stir in the shredded cheese and cook it over low heat, stirring until the cheese has melted and all the ingredients are combined. Season the dish with salt and pepper, and top with green onions.
CAPRESE
Cook the macaroni as usual. Drain it and return the contents to the saucepan along with the cheese in the packet, milk and butter. Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add a cup of halved cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper, and sauté. Add the sautéed tomatoes, two tablespoons of sundried tomatoes, sliced or shredded mozzarella and three tablespoons of pesto to the macaroni. Cook it all over low heat, stirring until the mozzarella has melted and the mixture is well combined. Top the dish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
CARBONARA
Cut some bacon into one inch pieces and fry it until it’s crisp. Next, crack two eggs into a bowl and stir in the powdered cheese mixture with a fork. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the packet. Once it’s ready, stir in the egg and cheese mixture (with a splash of milk or pasta water) until it’s combined. Toss in the bacon and peas, and dig in.
TACO
Heat a skillet with olive oil, add a pound of ground beef and sprinkle some taco seasoning. Stir it to cook the meat through. Add the uncooked macaroni along with two cups of water. Bring it all to simmer and cook the contents according to the instructions on the package. If the pasta looks dry at the end, add ¼ cup of water. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese in the packet along with a little milk. Turn off the heat when the desired consistency is reached.
PIZZA
Cook the macaroni normally while heating a skillet with olive oil. Cook a pound of ground beef, chopped onions and green peppers, and drain it. Drain the macaroni and stir in the cheese powder. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the beef mixture, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Bake the dish uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through.
HAM
Prepare the macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine ¾ cup of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and butter in a small bowl, and set it aside. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni and cheese in the packet, some cubed ham, a cup of cottage cheese, ½ a cup of sour cream, sliced green onions, chilli flakes if desired, salt and mustard. Pour the contents into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture and bake it uncovered at 350°F for 3540 minutes or until it’s heated through.
AVOCADO
Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the packet. Blend two cloves of garlic, two avocados and two tablespoons of lime juice, ⅓ cup of cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Process until its smooth and creamy, and stir it into the macaroni over medium heat. Season the dish with salt and pepper. Garnish it with fresh avocado chunks if desired and serve warm.