Adult Mac & Cheese

We were in Alba in the Piedmont region of Italy last summer where truffles (and everything else divine and delicious in the world) are in abundance that it left me pondering why the heck haven't I taken up residence in Italy.

I've been so swamped at work lately, and sometimes, when stress hits, a girl just gotta eat. I take comfort in this bowl of macaroni and cheese (as so many of you do, too, I'm sure!). For an extra helping of comfort induced by reminscing about my recent trip to Alba, I made mine with truffle paste.

You will need:

Heavy cream

1 garlic clove. I prefer smashed garlic to chopped.

A pinch of nutmeg

Grated Romano cheese

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Grated sharp cheddar

Truffle paste (I got mine in Italy, but I've seen similar at Whole Foods)

Pasta, fresh, if you can get it. Otherwise, cooked per box directions.

To make

1 In low heat, simmer heavy cream.

2 Smash a garlic clove and let the juices run out in the pot of heavy cream. I usually just fish it out later since I don't particularly like biting into garlic.

3 Add your pinch of nutmeg.

4 When cream is heated through, add equal parts of grated romano, parmesan, and cheddar. Stir gently with a whisk until cheese has melted and has thoroughly blended with the cream. Fish out the smashed garlic if you want.

5 Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, in small portions at a time. Spoon in truffle paste to your liking.

6 Correct seasoning with salt and/or pepper, to your taste. Serve hot. Side of pulled pork optional. :)

#food #italy