Recipes
Down Home Mac, Ham & Cheese with Shallot N' Swiss Crumb Topping
Description: 2006 Tillamook Macaroni and Cheese Contest, Mary Hawkes - Phoenix, AZ Regional Finalist

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°. Spray a shallow 2-quart oven-proof casserole dish with cooking spray. Following package directions, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook per package directions, until pasta is al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Meanwhile melt butter over medium-low heat in a medium saucepan; stir in flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stirring constantly, bring to a low simmer; cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil while continuously stirring. Reduce heat, and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in onion and lemon juice. Add cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and ham; stir until cheese is just melted. Stir in hot pasta. Pour into dish.

To prepare crumb topping, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add shallots; stirring, cook until just softened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in panko, Swiss cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over top of casserole.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden brown.

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
8 ounces uncooked dry pipette or small penne rigate pasta
1/4 cup Tillamook® Butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon sweet onion, grated
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups Tillamook® Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
3/4 cup Tillamook® Swiss Cheese, shredded
3/4 cup ham, chopped

Shallot N’ Swiss Crumb Topping
2 tablespoons Tillamook® Butter
3 tablespoons shallots, minced
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup Tillamook® Swiss Cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced