During my weekly grocery shopping at Central Market, an adorable old man approached me near the organic herbs section. Without hesitation, he proceeded to rave about the rare black truffles now available across the aisle for only $6 per individualized package ($299.99 per pound)! He told me I just had to try them.
After peer pressure from a 75-year-old, I purchased my own package of black truffle and a super fine grater. I could not wait to get cookin'. I was instructed that truffle would enhance any dish from scrambled eggs to risotto. Here is my shot at the real black truffle mac and cheese, which I made last night for my roommate Sari's birthday! I will confess that I missed the crunch of a baked macaroni, but this no-bake version is creamy, rich and simply fantastic.
no-bake truffle mac and cheese
Makes 4 servings
8 ounces whole wheat penne noodles (2 cups)
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded pecorino cheese
3 sprigs of thyme
1 black truffle
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to box instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups milk in another large pot over medium-high heat until just simmering. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined.
3. Add the flour mixture to the simmering milk; return to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in cheddar and pecorino until the cheese is melted.
4. Drain the pasta and add to the cheese sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat, until heated through, about 1 minute.
5. Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with grated truffle and thyme leaves.
5. Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with grated truffle and thyme leaves.
adapted from eating well