Every once in awhile I have these moments of clarity.  During these times the proverbial light bulb goes off in my head and I’m like, “huh…that makes total sense.”
Brie Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onion AND Apple Compote. Â Shut the front door.
Moment of clarity…why have I not done this before and how do I make more without feeling like the carb eating, cheese obsessed, maniac that I truly am!? Â There isn’t a way around that. Â I’ll just have to ensure that I keep me and brie far apart. Â For my safety and its.
My second moment of clarity came this week while in front of the widow maker.
That, my friends, is a widow maker. Â Or in this case a widower maker? Â I can never keep that straight but whatever. Â I’m not sure I can prove this but I’m pretty sure as soon as that little red “recording” light flashes a super sonic, indetectible beam is shot straight to my brain and renders me powerless. Â I am the deer in the headlights…not sure to weave, duck, jump, run, or freeze and hope the car won’t hit me.
Fortunately for me, cameras won’t charge at a moments notice with brights flashing and I did finally get through the 20 and half words I had to say but I would have much rather been on a couch inhaling the mac and cheese.
Maybe next time I can convince the team at Appetites to bring in a couch, a bowl of this, and allow me to eat a bite after each good take. Â I think anyone would work well under pressure if this was the reward.
P.S. Watch for my cooking classes coming out soon on their very own app along with some other fabulous chefs!
Ingredients
- macaroni noodles, cooked to al dente
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 small apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a small skillet melt the butter for the compote over medium heat.
- Add the onions and apples. Cook on medium-low heat until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow to cook another minute then add the vinegar.
- Set aside but continue to keep warm over low heat.
- While the macaroni cooks melt the butter for the sauce in a medium skillet.
- Whisk in flour and allow to cook over medium heat for one minute.
- Add the milk, whisk until smooth, and allow to thicken for one minute over medium-low heat.
- Remove from heat. Add the cheddar cheese and 5 oz of the brie (set aside the extra ounce for later). Stir until the cheese melts and sauce has thickened
- Pour the sauce over the cooked and drained macaroni and stir until completely coated. Fold in the extra ounce of brie cheese. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping by melting the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until moistened. Spread over the macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle with the walnuts.
- Place under the broiler for about a minute or until the bread crumbs begin to brown slightly.
- Remove from the oven and spoon the compote over top. Garnish with fresh rosemary, if desired, and serve.
Holy Cow!! I am in utter and complete love with the macaroni and cheese! I am a big fan of all things cheesy and pasta but this grown-up version of mac and cheese is just over the top. I have bookmarked it and I am definitely making it ASAP. Lovely!
Thank you Kate! It was definitely love at first bite for me. Hope it is for you too!
Krista! This is awesome! First off, you are gorgeous on camera! Absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait!
And second, this mac & cheese must be made for dinner this week. Must!
Thank you so so so so much Christina!! It was such an honor to be apart of this project. I know the app is gonna rock! Can’t wait for everyone to see it!
And if only you could see just 5 minutes of the out takes. Oh. My. Heck. I don’t even remember half of what I said because I was so nervous. Pretty sure I blacked out a time or two.
This sounds delicious! I may have to make the batch just for my husband and me and serve the kids Kraft (just so I can have multiple helpings).
I’m with you girl!!! Serve theirs first. Clear the table. Send them to bed. Eat your dinner. Silence can be golden…especially when cheese is involved!
Okay. Um, I really, really want to try this. Like now. It is driving me crazy. I came by from An Edible Mosaic and I’m pleased to be following along. I may change my mind once I’ve gained some weight! Just kidding
Ha! Well, I wouldn’t hold it against you. So glad to have you join the carb craving, cheese obsession that is my life!
This looks so good Krista! Your photos are awesome too!
I was afraid of the recipe based on the name but you broke it down so nicely.
I think I can do this!
Yay! I’m so glad Carli! You CAN do this!
This looks incredible! I love mac and cheese and am always looking for a new version. Apple compote?! Amazing.
Exciting stuff, and this mac & cheese? omg.
Um, YEAH, I will be trying this! I’m all about the sweet and savory, I can NOT wait!! Might pass on the onions though
Great seeing you this weekend, hope you traveled home safe.
That’s fantastic & this mac is cheese is supah dupah fantastic!
OMG…heaven on a plate.