Bahamian Mac & Cheese

1 box (1 lb.) of Penne pasta

     1-2 lbs. cheddar cheese, shredded

     2 tbsp. of butter

     1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

     1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

     1 green pepper, chopped

     ½ of an onion, chopped

     Cayenne to taste

     Salt and black pepper

          I can’t say that I know anyone that doesn’t like a good ole Macaroni n' Cheese recipe.  In fact, I’m fairly certain that the reason for its popularity is because it’s impossible to screw up.  However, this isn’t your ordinary Mac but schmancy Mac & Cheese straight from the Caribbean.  From my mother-in-law’s mouth to my ears (and kitchen), I’m now sharing this Bahamian favorite with you.  

         The original recipe calls for Mueller’s Ready Cut Macaroni so if your local store shelves this noodle you can make the switch.  With oodles of noodle choices available you can’t go wrong in making your selection but I prefer the ridges and holes of Penne that seem to lock-in the flavor of this absolutely brilliant Bahamian fare.

         Boil your Penne on the stove until al dente; still somewhat firm but not hard.  Keeping the pasta slightly under-cooked prevents it from breaking as the remaining ingredients are added to the pot.  Drain the pasta back to the pot and on low to medium heat add the butter, evaporated milk, green chilies, onion, green pepper and spices.  Make sure that the level of spice is to your liking and adjust accordingly before adding the cheese.  Once you have achieved your preferred level of "heat" begin to add the shredded cheese in layers while continuing to mix the pasta. When the cheese is fully melted, transfer your schmancy Mac into an ungreased baking dish.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until the top is slightly browned.  
Traditionally, the dish is allowed to cool so it can be cut and served in squares but with a vulture husband circling my kitchen there is little time to let anything cool.  Squared or shoveled, this dish will spend little time on display.  Enjoy! 

 



This picture was taken while in San Salvador visiting my in-laws.  I started wearing my husband's pants after blaming the Mac & Cheese for making my pants too snug.  Little did I know that although the Mac was partially to blame, it seemed I had a little noodle of my own baking.

Gavin Rhys Brown 9~9~09