Beer and Mushroom Mac and Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 cup Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced
- 1/4 cups Beer (lager, Pilsner, Cream Ale, Belgian-style Tripel, Or Malt Would Work Wonderfully)
- Kosher Salt And Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
- 1 pound Pasta Shells (macaroni And Rotini Also Work Very Well)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cups Beer, At Room Temperature
- 8 ounces, weight Smoked Gouda, Shredded
- 8 ounces, weight Muenster, Shredded
- Kosher Salt And Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
- For the mushrooms: Heat butter in a stove-top friendly Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Once butter is melted, add sliced mushrooms and beer.
- Simmer for approximately 8 minutes, or until all of the butter and beer has been absorbed by the mushrooms.
- Season with a bit of kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- For the pasta: Prepare the pasta noodles as per the instructions on the packaging.
- For the sauce: In the same vessel you cooked the mushrooms in, melt butter.
- Gradually whisk in flour.
- Continue to whisk until a thick roux forms.
- While whisking, add milk.
- Bright heat up a bit so the milk comes to a boil, and whisk until the roux has dissolved into the milk, thickening the sauce.
- While whisking, slowly add beer.
- Allow to simmer until the sauce thickens again.
- Add the shredded cheeses and stir until cheese melts.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can gradually add more milk as you whisk until you reach a desired consistency.
- Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mushrooms to the cheese sauce and stir.
- Drain the pasta once its done.
- Dont rinse.
- Carefully dump the pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- For a slightly crispy top, place the mac and cheese under a broiler (on high) for a few minutes.
- Time varies since all ovens are different, so keep the oven light on and keep a very close eye on it.
- Note: Beer must be at room temperature.
- Cold beer may break the sauce.
butter, cremini mushrooms, lager, kosher salt, pasta, butter, flour, milk, gouda, weight muenster, kosher salt
Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/beer-and-mushroom-mac-and-cheese/ (may not work)