Hard Cider Macaroni and Cheese
From Tide and Thyme.- Ingredients:
- 2.5 c, elbow macaroni
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. hard cider
- 1 c. half & half
- 16 oz. white Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Drain, and place in 2 quart baking dish. Set aside.
For the sauce; melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and apples. Saute for approximately 5-10 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Sprinkle flour over them and cook for about 2 minutes, mixing continuously until the flour has coated all of the onions and apples. Slowly pour in cider and half & half. Whisk constantly until mixture starts to bubble and thicken. Turn off heat, and stir in 12 oz of shredded cheese. Mix until smooth.
Pour cheese sauce over the cooked and strained pasta in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until the sides are bubbly and cheese is browned.