Thursday, April 21, 2016

People's Choice Award: Cheesy Pasta with Bacon

This is the dish from yesterday's blackbox competition I promised I would share. In the limited time, space, and pantry I had, I tried to create a dish that the spectators would love, but also one that was refined enough that the judges would enjoy too. It seemed to be successful, I god a gold in the People's Choice Award and silver with the judges. Here is a general recipe as to how I remember making my dish.

  1. Grab A LOT of bacon and quickly chop it up. Throw it in a hot pan.
  2. Meanwhile, peel and dice five small red onions. Toss it in with your bacon.
  3. While that sweats down, mince up some fresh tarragon.
  4. Strain the bacon and red onion, reserving the bacon fat. Return the fat to the pan and add a cup of salted butter. Melt it.
  5. Add about a cup or two of all-purpose flour and whisk until you have a thick roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in one to two liters of whole milk and keep the heat on high, stirring often, to thicken the sauce.
  7. While sauce is on the go, cook your pasta noodle sin boiling salted water.
  8. Season your sauce with salt, black pepper, dijon mustard, tabasco sauce, garlic seasoning mix. Through some worchestershire and more tabasco sauce into your bacon and red onion.
  9. Cube up some cheddar cheese and throw into the sauce, reserving some cheese for the end. Melt it down a bit, then throw in some parmesan flakes as well.
  10. Melt the cheese into the sauce, and season it again.
  11. Strain your pasta and stir in the sauce and bacon and red onion. Stir in the extra cheddar and tarragon, reserving a little of each for garnish.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning, consistency, and cheesiness and enjoy!!!

No comments: