Name: Pancetta and Vodka Mac&Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: macaroni; pancetta; butter; tomate paste; unbleached all-purpose flour; milk; 15% cream; cheddar cheese; Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; vodka; chili powder; paprika; salt and pepper

Preparation

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta al dente. Drain, oil lightly and set aside.
In a small non-stick skillet, brown the pancetta until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
In the same pot that was used to cook the pasta, melt the butter with the tomato paste. Add the flour, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and cream and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheese and melt, stirring with a whisk. Add the macaroni and simmer for 2 minutes over medium-low heat. Add the vodka, spices and three quarters of the pancetta. Adjust the seasoning. To serve, top with the remaining pancetta.

Comments

Melissa W.

5 stars December 14th, 2015

loved it! but be forewarned that this dish is an the heavy size (but makes great winter comfort food). I didn't add the vodka and replaced the Parmigiano Reggiano in the recipe for an aged smoked cheddar (gave the mac and cheese an amazing smoky flavour). Recipe was a huge success with dinner guests.
Lisa I.

4 stars June 6th, 2015

Great comfort food! I modified the recipe a bit by using 1 lb of macaroni and lowered the fat content by using 11/2 cups each of 1% milk and 5% cream.
Sanjay S.

2 stars April 2nd, 2015

Nope. Have tried many of the recipes and this one was just too cheesy, liquidy and the addition of the Parmesan was not required. Did not add the vodka for the kids....they did not approve. Won't be making this again - maybe will try the other mac & cheese recipe.