Cows returning from Alps for winter Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Cows returning from Alps for winter Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

 

On occasion, we have an opportunity to do a sponsored post. In this instance, I received three rounds of Castello Alps Selection Cheese. Since cheese is by far one of my very favorite food groups, I have been having fun with wine and cheese tasting and various recipes. Today, I am sharing the Truffle Mac n’ Cheese with Hirten, Weissbier and Classic Castello Cheese.

Castello Cheeses Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Castello Cheeses Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

 

While experiencing this cheese, it took me back to the Appenzelle canton of Switzerland, where we saw cows coming down from the Alps for winter. It was an unforgettable experience and this cheese brought it all back.

 

Since each of these three cheeses was distinctive, I was able to use them all in creating this recipe.  The Castello Classic is firm but provides a taste of mountain herbs. The Castello Weissbier, my favorite as a stand alone, is smooth and buttery. The Castello Hirten is an ideal substitute for Parmesan.

Mac-n-cheese

Castello Moments Truffle Mac n’ Cheese and Classic, Hirten and Weissbier Cheese Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

 

Castello Moments Truffle Mac n’ Cheese and Classic, Hirten and Weissbier Cheese

 

Macaroni and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

 

  • ½  lb coarsely grated Castello Classic
  • ¾  lb coarsely grated (or shredded) Castello Weissbier
  • ½ cup grated Castello Hirten
  • 1 tsp truffle oil
  • Truffle shavings (sparingly) if available
  • 1 to 2 lbs elbow macaroni, it depends how creamy you want. I use a pound (you can substitute a pasta if desired).

 

Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ stick unsalted butter
  • 2 cups panko (coarse Japanese bread crumbs) or 3 cups of coarse fresh bread crumbs or 2 cups of coarse Ritz cracker crumbs. I like the panko best.
  • ¼ lb grated Castello Classic
  • ½ cup grated Castello Hirten

 

Method:

 

  • Preheat oven to 400F with rack in middle.

 

Topping:

  • Melt butter, and then stir together with panko and topping cheese in a bowl until combined well. Set aside (This can be made the day before and chilled in the covered bowl or cling wrap).

 

Sauce:

  • Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in flour.
  • Cook roux, stirring about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk in milk.
  • Bring sauce to a boil, whisking constantly.
  • Then simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 minutes.
  • Stir in cheeses, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Cover sauce with lid or wax paper.

 

Macaroni:

  • Cook macaroni in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon Kosher or Sea Salt for 4 quarts of water) until al dente,  approximately 6-8 minutes.
  • Reserve 1 cup cooking water and drain macaroni in a colander.
  • Stir together macaroni, reserved cooking water, and sauce in large bowl.
  • Remove from heat and stir in truffle oil (If you have truffle shavings, stir those in now).
  • Transfer to 2 buttered 2 quart shallow baking dishes, or cast iron skillets (my favorite), or individual ramekins.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 20-25 minutes.

Win Castello Cheese Tasting

We enjoyed this with a Gewurztraminer.

Win a Private Cheese Tasting in your own home – enter by clicking on the banner below. Castello Moments and this post is a collaboration between the blogger and Arla Foods USA. 
 

 

If you would like to submit a guest post on food, wine or travel to Where and What in the World, I would be happy to feature your travel experience , drink, special wine tasting, or family or simply delicious recipe. If you go to submission tab, you will see how to submit, as well as have the opportunity of telling me if you would like to would like to be a regular contributor. When uploading a file for submission, you are also able to upload jpgs. Please feel free to put a last paragraph about you and a link to your profile. No html please. You can also include a head shot. 

 

 

 

 

 

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.