OLD FASHIONED 'Sweet Violets' ~ 'RETRO' MAC & CHEESE

"Each violet peeps from its dwelling to gaze at the bright stars above"

~ Heinrich Heine

~ Sweet Violets

( February Flower of the Month)

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MAC & CHEESE

~ Comfy 'retro'' food (though often NOT low fat) never goes out of style and a 'once in a while treat' especially tummy coating on chilly February days.

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1 lb. ziti, penne (or favorite shaped pasta)

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 diced red pepper

1 diced yellow, orange or green pepper

4 cups milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

6 Tbsp. flour

1 tsp. Hungarian paprika

1/2 tsp. coarse salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

8 oz. grated white Vermont cheddar

8 oz. grated medium Pinconning Cheese *

1/2 cup (or more) shaved Parmesan

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

• Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
• Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook at a rolling boil until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain well. Toss with 1 Tbsp. oil and set aside.
• Heat remaining vegetable oil in skillet. Saute peppers until soft. Add to cooked pasta.
• Scald milk in saucepan. Set aside.
• In another saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk over low heat (do not let burn). Slowly whisk scalded milk until thickened. Add paprika, salt & white pepper. Add to pasta and toss well to coat.
• Butter a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Combine both cheeses. Add to pasta, reserving 1 cup for top. Spread evenly in baking dish and top with remaining cheese, shaved Parmesan (you can never have enough cheese), and parsley.
• Bake 30 minutes until hot. Run under broiler to brown. (8 servings)

* Great source for Pinconning Cheese ~ William's Cheese Co.