Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving, just another day to gorge while gathered with friends.

Getting together with friends is hard sometimes, with all the different work hours, kids, and projects going on. It's nice to set aside one day where we can all hang out.

This year we decided to forgo the turkey in lieu of roast chicken, and a tradition beef roast. Somehow the stars aligned this year and I did not have to make any of the main dishes. Thank my lucky stars.

Went the bowl route and that is how we decided who was going to make what. Place your menu items on small pieces of paper and place them into a bowl. Everyone chooses one or two items depending on how many people are there, and that is what you bring. I got two dishes, mac and cheese and creamed corn. Easy enough so let's get started.

Mac and Cheese Printable Recipe
1 lb. Elbow Macaroni
2 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream
2 Cloves of Garlic, finely minced or grated
1 Tbsp. Butter
1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 8oz. packages of Cream Cheese, room temperature, cubed
3 Cups Smoked Cheddar Cheese
1 Cup Gruyere Cheese
1 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, melted
1 Tsp. Parsley Flakes
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper or white pepper

In a large pot, bring heavily salted water to a boil. Add in the macaroni and cook until al dente; about 6 minutes.

Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 

In a medium pot, add in 1 tbsp. butter, olive oil, and garlic and cook while stirring until the garlic has softened but not browned, about one minute.

Add in the heavy cream, and let simmer for three to five minutes while stirring. Add in the cream cheese in one to two batches and stir to combine. Add in freshly ground black pepper.

Add in the smoked cheddar and Gruyere; whisk to combine until the sauce is smooth. 

Add in the macaroni and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Pour the mac and cheese into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, and sprinkle evenly over the top.

Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned about 15-25 minuets. 

Serve and Enjoy!

Side note: I sometimes use two sieves of crushed up Ritz crackers instead to the panko bread crumbs and it is also very delicious.


Creamed Corn Printable Recipe

4 Cans of Whole Sweet Corn, drained.
1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Unsalted Butter
8 Oz. Cream Cheese, cubed
3-4 Jalapenos, Seeded and diced
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Salt 
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1/4 Tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 Tsp. Onion Powder

In a medium pot, add in the butter and melt. Add in the jalapenos and saute for a minute or two.

Add in the corn, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and saute for 3-5 minutes constantly stirring.

Add in the cream cheese, and stir until fully melted. Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Serve and enjoy!

Side note: you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Just make sure you have 4 Cups total.

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