man mac

In a previous life, I was the sweetheart of a fraternity (Ben’s fraternity to be exact). This privilege was a responsibility in disguise, somewhat like I would imagine motherhood to be like.  My basic responsibilities seemed easy: feed hungry boys, find dates for members, sew on a few buttons here and there. Once I even rode in the Baylor homecoming parade as their representative (a hilarity in itself and the closest to pageantry I will ever willingly taste). Looking back, I really wish I had expended more effort in this role, as who often gets the chance to weekly meet with 40 some odd boys and share a few words or establish a few memories?

I suppose I married the most important frat boy in that bunch (who is hardly frat at all) and he still seems to remember this “man mac” that I would occasionally bring to their meetings…

oh so cheesy

crunchy meaty topping

HusBen, dinner's ready!

Man Mac

Ingredients

2 shallots, peeled

4 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon olive oil

6 pieces bacon (reserve bacon fat)

1 ½ cups chopped brisket

2 tablespoons flour

3 cups heavy cream

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

2 cups shredded chedder cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound penne pasta cooked

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

3 tbsp. melted butter

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crispy in a large pot. Remove bacon, chop, and reserve bacon fat. Add roasted shallot and garlic into pot with bacon fat and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream, milk and thyme. Reduce by a third (simmer on medium heat for 10’ish minutes). Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9X13 glass dish (casserole type). In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon and brisket, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.