Porcini Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a small bowl, soak the dried porcini mushrooms in 1 cup of hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Once rehydrated, strain and chop the mushrooms, reserving the mushroom-infused water.

4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.

6. Gradually add the whole milk while continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

7. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

8. Pour in the reserved mushroom-infused water, but be careful not to include any sediment at the bottom.

9. Add the chopped porcini mushrooms to the sauce and season with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg to taste.

10. Combine the cooked macaroni with the porcini cheese sauce and mix well.

11. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is heated through.

12. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

13. Serve your Porcini Mac & Cheese hot, embracing the delightful blend of flavors and textures.

This Porcini Mac & Cheese is a luxurious and flavorful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, showcasing the deep, earthy essence of porcini mushrooms.