Mac and Cheese with Bacon Jam

[mos]

Mac and Cheese with Bacon Jam

FOR THE BACON JAM:

2 lb chopped bacon

2 onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tbs apple cider vinegar

1/4 tbs chili powder

1/4 tsp curry powder

a dash cayenne pepper

a splash of coffee

salt and pepper

FOR THE MAC N CHEESE (if not using leftovers):

1 lb macaroni noodles

water for boiling

2 tbs salted butter

2 shallots, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 sage leaves

1 tbs flour

16 ounces heavy cream

1 cup shredded gruyere

1/4 tsp mustard powder

1/4 tsp frank’s hot sauce

salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE GRILLED CHEESE:

2 slices sourdough bread

4 slices of sharp cheddar

1/4 cup of macaroni and cheese

1 tbs bacon jam

2 pats salted butter

FOR THE BACON JAM:

In a medium sized sautee pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat has rendered out and the bacon is almost crisp.

Remove cooked bacon whilst leaving bacon grease in pan.

Add onions and sautee until caramelized and soft – about 15 min.

Add chopped crispy bacon back to the onions and stir in brown sugar.

Add vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, coffee, curry powder, and salt and pepper and cook on low for at least an hour in a half or until a thick jam forms.

FOR THE MAC N CHEESE:

Boil water and prepare macaroni noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, add butter to a sauce pan and turn the heat to medium.

Add shallots, garlic, and sage leaves and cook until softened but not crispy.

Add the flour and cook for a few minutes until a loose roux-like substance starts to form.

Add in the heavy cream and let cook until bubbles form on the sides of the pan and the cream starts to reduce and thicken a little.

Add in Gruyere and stir in a figure 8 motion until the cheese melts and sauce starts to form.

Stir in mustard powder, frank’s hot sauce and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool so it coagulates and sticks together.

FOR THE GRILLED CHEESE:

Place two slices of cheddar onto one half of the bread and top with macaroni and cheese, the bacon jam, the other half of the cheese and the remaining slice of bread.

Butter the exterior of the sandwich and place in a fry pan or panini press.

Cook until both sides are golden brown and all the cheese has melted.

Remove from heat, let sit for a minute, slice and serve.   Makes 1 sandwich

[Thimpturaw]

Wow, Mos, this is really one to try. Thanks again!

[mos]

Thimpturaw, this is for the true lover of all things Mac and Cheese! LOL!  Let us know what you think after you’ve made it;-D

[Author]

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