WINNING THE HOLIDAYS RECIPES!
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WE HAVE THE WINNERS!
Thank you all for participating in our WINNING THE HOLIDAYS campaign! You asked for help and we heard you. The top request for a fool proof holiday recipe was the American favorite, macaroni & cheese. The second most requested item was for an easy holiday potluck dish. Our very own Chef Gason Nelson created a mouthwatering Creole spaghetti casserole.
We went live with a cooking demonstration for both dishes, and let me tell you, a great time was had by all. the food tasted amazing! Chef Gason never disappoints. Thank you to those of you who joined in, but if you missed it, the recipes are below.
MACARONI & CHEESE
THE COOK SHOP 4 CHEESE MACARONI & CHEESE Recipe by Chef Gason Nelson
Ingredients: -The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blends. -1 pound macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gouda cheeses until melted and smooth.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, sour cream, and beaten egg. Mix well to combine.
9. Season with Cajun Cook Shop seasoning to taste. 10. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and set.
12. Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Serves about 4-6 people.
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SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
THE COOK SHOP CREOLE SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE Recipe by Chef Gason Nelson
Ingredients: -The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend - 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until all vegetables are translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, add Creole Cook Shop seasoning, and 2 generous pinches of chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer while preparing the cheese mixture.
6. In a separate skillet, reduce the heavy cream and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, then toss in the cooked spaghetti noodles.
7. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the spaghetti in the cream sauce, then top with the meat sauce.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, top with additional mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serves about 6-8 people.