Read by Michael Flamel

Once upon a sun-drenched day in the heart of California, our lucky gardener and culinary enthusiast inherited a cherished family recipe – the classic southern macaroni and cheese. However, being the creative soul that he is, our hero decided to elevate this comfort food to a new level of freshness and flavor. Brace yourself for the Heirloom Harvest Mac & Cheese Delight!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh herbs (a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced (for topping)

Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
• Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.Reduce heat and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
• Add Fresh Flavors: Mix in the diced tomatoes and fresh herbs into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors dance together for a couple of minutes.
• Combine and Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy herb and tomato mixture. Transfer the heavenly mix into the greased baking dish. Top it off with additional slices of fresh tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Serve and Enjoy: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dive into the creamy, herb-infused goodness of this Heirloom Harvest Mac & Cheese Delight!

Summer Pairings:
Southern Fried Chicken: Create the ultimate southern feast by pairing this mac and cheese with crispy, golden fried chicken.
Fresh Green Salad: Turn it into a light summer meal by serving alongside a vibrant salad tossed with your favorite greens and a zesty dressing.

Suggested Iced Teas:
Minty Citrus Bliss: Infuse your iced tea with fresh mint leaves and a splash of citrus for a refreshing sip.
Peachy Sweet Tea: Add a hint of sweetness with peach slices to your classic sweet tea.
Berry Burst Delight: Elevate your iced tea with a handful of mixed berries for a burst of summer flavors.
 
Get ready to savor the taste of the South with this delightful Heirloom Harvest Mac & Cheese – a comforting blend of tradition and innovation that’ll leave your taste buds singing!