If you've never had authentic Bahamian Mac and Cheese, you've truly missed a delightful treat. Not like the kind that comes out of a box at the grocery store. Not like the 'kiddy food' that we often see served in American restaurants. Bahamian Mac and Cheese is truly 'something else' !!
I make mine using this recipe. Again, a few 'trial and error' batches, but now I have brought it to perfection.
Ingredients:
1 box elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp oil
2-3 lb. block of cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 onion, finely diced
1/2 sweet pepper, finely diced
1/2 tomato, finely diced (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp black pepper
1/4 Tbsp salt
1/4 Tbsp finely diced hot red pepper (can be substituted with crushed red pepper)
1/2 stick butter
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, optional
Directions:
Fill large pot with water, oil, and salt bring to a boil then add macaroni to the pot. Let boil until macaroni is soft (but not mushy).
Drain water and put pot back onto stove. Put in all ingredients, stirring constantly while adding butter, cheese and cream a little at a time so it melts properly, maintains the proper consistency, and does not burn. Leave about a cup of cheese to sprinkle on top, after the mixture is poured into the baking dish.
Pour mixture into a large glass baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and then breadcrumbs on top and place it in a 350-degree oven until top is slightly brown. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until top is nicely brown. Cut into approximately 2" squares and serve.
Voila! Enjoy!
