By: Danielle DeMarco | January 02 2011
Posted in Portland - Cook It - Portland

Photo credit: istock

In Portland, January days are cold, wet and dreary. The holidays have lapsed and the thought of the long winter months ahead is somewhat daunting. This is the season for comfort foods; rich soups, stews, hearty pastas and, of course, everyone's childhood favorite, macaroni and cheese. These are the foods that warm us up on particularly dark days and remind us of the pleasure in retreating to robust, rib-sticking meals. 

Photo credit: Danielle DeMarco

Upscale Mac

If you are looking for a sophisticated feeling in a pasta dish, head to Davis Street Tavern, where their three cheese Velvety Mac –N-Cheese will blow you away. This mac is not for the simple palette. Using girella pasta, they combine white cheddar, the herb-filled boursin, and the iconic goat cheese in a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a bold dish that’s creamy, with a bite from the goat cheese on the end. Pairing this with their Tomato Basil Bisque creates a meal that may well leave you satisfied for days.

Photo credit: Danielle DeMarco

Take Home Mac

Do you find yourself stuck at work later than you want and the thought of cooking when you get home makes your head spin? Don’t fret. Stop by Elephants Deli at their Northeast location to pick up their famous ‘Grown Up’ Mac & Cheese with thick-cut Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, parmesan & lemon zest bread crumbs. This macaroni is lighter in flavor, creamy, and oh so addictive. Their sauce includes parmesan, fontina and white cheddar cheeses. Make sure to bring home extras for tomorrow’s lunch. Oh, and don’t forget your gym gear for an after-work calorie burn!

Photo credit: Danielle DeMarco

Make-Your-Own Mac

To warm up your entire household, grab your favorite elbow pasta and whip up my family’s recipe. The beauty of macaroni is its versatility. Mixing up the types of cheeses will completely change the taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites.

DeMarco Family Macaroni and Cheese

16 oz. elbow pasta

4 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoon cream cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Dash of paprika

Dash of mustard

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Dubliner cheese, grated

Directions

Cook pasta in boiling water just until al dente. Rinse with cold water, drain and set aside. Melt butter on medium-low heat in 2 ½-3 qt. saucepan. Once heated, slowly add flour, blending with the back of a spatula until lumps disappear. Slowly add milk, stirring continuously, until thick and creamy. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream. Add salt, pepper, mustard and paprika. Add cheeses and stir on low heat until well blended.

Put pasta back into its cooking pot and add cheese sauce. Stir gently and pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle excess cheese on top. Cook at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.

To make a gluten free version, use rice pasta and rice flour.

Editor’s Note: If you want to experiment with different cheeses, head to one of these favorite Portland shops for an international selection and expert cheesemongers to guide you.

Cheese Bar (They also carry a variety of European and American cured meats, if the addition of Prosciutto or Pancetta is appealing)

Foster and Dobbs (this home grown, artisanal cheese shop offers taste samples before buying)

Whole Foods (The award-winning Rogue Creamery products are sold here. Blue Cheese or Smoky TouVelle Mac, anyone?)

 

 

 

 

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