Tag: Macaroni

Macaroni Salad – Hawaiian Style Cold Noodle Salad

Macaroni Salad

The Best Macaroni Salad

Here’s a Macaroni Salad you are going to love and it’s a great recipe to throw into your 4th of July festivities, picnics or Barbecues through out the summer.  Though, I’ve advertised that it’s Hawaiian Style, it’s referred to as Mac Salad.  And, it’s like it in a variety of ways but I’ve changed up a few things that are so subtle, most people won’t even know the difference.  In fact, in my opinion, I just made it better.  Most Luau’s, Hawaiian restaurants or food trucks, that make this salad, make it in bulk and, quite often, miss the mark; most commonly without adding enough Salt.  But, for this particular recipe, I’ve bumped up the flavor a notch, in all areas, to make sure it pleases everyone.

I made this Macaroni Salad tutorial and I collaborated with several other Food Channels for the Holiday.  We’ve pulled together to share each others ideas to celebrate the 4th of July in style, comfort and in good taste.  So CLICK HERE and check out this playlist for some more great ideas.

Also, be sure to check out my Spaghetti Cold Noodle Salad.  It’s even better than this recipe!

Macaroni Salad Ingredients:

2 cups Elbow Macaroni, cooked
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Heavy Cream (half and half or milk are lighter options)
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 Green Onions, chopped small
1/2 Carrot, shoe string slices chopped small
1 Celery stalk, minced or chopped small

Be sure to watch the short video tutorial and I’ll show you exactly how to make this Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad or “Mac Salad!”

Mac and Cheese Clarkston Union Style

Great Mac and Cheese

If you haven’t seen the Mac and Cheese special that Kid Rock appears in on “Diners, Drive In’s and Dives“, then you’re in for a real treat!  The Clarkston Union has a Macaroni and Cheese recipe that will knock your socks off.  I’m talking about Classic Macaroni Pasta cooked with Creamy Layers of Cheddar Cheese, topped with Mozzarella, Bread Crumbs and then baked to perfection.  You end up with tender creamy pasta, Stretchy Cheese and a light layered Mozzarella crunch, from the bread crumbs, with every bite you sink your teeth into. And, If that doesn’t sound good enough, believe this… I figured out how to make it from a box!

Mac and Cheese from a Box

Personally I’ve never been a real big fan of the standard box recipe, but my kids sure love it, and if it’s on the menu when we dine out for something a little more exotic than what kid taste buds are ready for, then we order it.  I don’t know if you’re like me, though, anything my kids order, I usually try for myself.  Usually when it comes to kids meals in restaurants, especially Mac and Cheese, I’m rarely impressed.  And since Macaroni and Cheese is such a big deal for children, you would think that the recipe would be a little more perfected in restaurants by now.  I mean, don’t you think it’s sad that a box of Kraft or even the “Generic” brand has got your local Chefs beat?  Well not at Clarkston Union, and I’m going to show you how to take a regular box of Mac and Cheese and turn it into a Clarkston Union Style Macaroni.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients:

1 Box of Cooked Macaroni
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup Chopped Onion (Optional)
1/4 cup of Butter
1/2 cup of Half and Half or Cream
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 Cheese packet
3 slices of Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 tbsp Bread Crumbs or Panko

Follow the Mac and Cheese box instructions to cook the Macaroni.  Strain, add the olive oil and stir it all together.  In a hot pan add the butter, then 1/4 cup (half) of the Half and Half or Cream (Also the onions if you’re using them).  Add the dry ingredients, Nutmeg and Pepper.  Bring to a boil and add a touch more of the cream just to calm the boil, then add the powdered cheese mix and then the Macaroni Pasta.  Stir while adding the rest of the Half and Half.  Be careful not to drown the pasta but be sure that it’s cream and not dried out when you are done stirring.  Remove from the heat and add enough Mac and Cheese to cover the bottom of an oven dish.  Add the Cheddar Cheese, then cover with the remaining Macaroni.  Add the Mozzarella Cheese and Panko, then Bake at 425 degrees in the center of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.  Let the Mac and Cheese Cool for a few minutes then serve.