One of the best things about living in Halifax, is being able to pop into 2 Doors Down at lunchtime and enjoy some of the best food around! For me, I’ve a special connection to the restaurant as one of my dear friends is a co-owner. So…I get to hear all of the excitement and news from time-to-time…and I have to say, I’m very proud to be able to celebrate in his great success.
So, when the Dairy Farmers of Canada asked if I’d be interested in making Smoky Cauli-power Mac & Cheese…a recipe that Chef Andrew Farrell of 2 Doors Down created for the The Grate Canadian Cheese Cook Off…I couldn’t turn down the opportunity!
Mostly…because there was SO MUCH CHEESE! In fact, one of my very favourites…Old Cheddar from Cow’s Creamery is used in the recipe as is Cow’s Creamery’s Appletree Smoked Cheddar and also Blue Harbour’s Urban Blue…all of them made right here in Atlantic Canada.
The recipe was fairly easy to make (you can find full instructions here along with some other great Mac & Cheese recipes). It took about 40 minutes from start to finish with the instructions calling for an “immersion” blender which (once I looked up what it was) I don’t own…but, a regular blender worked just fine. Essentially, you start by preparing a mixture of cheese, cauliflower and mushroom that you put aside for later roasting. Then, you create a cheese and cauliflower sauce on top of the stove and add your pasta. Once the pasta portion of the recipe is ready, you place the roasted mixture on top of the creamy mixture and end up with what looks to be the ultimate in Mac and Cheese!
Looks to be? Yeah….here’s the thing…I’m COMPLETELY allergic to cauliflower so, I’m afraid I had to pass on the taste testing of this one!
However, once the dish was complete…I texted my busy neighbour and told her I’d made supper for her family then proudly dropped the creation off! (But I should note, it might be a little less cheesy than intended, as I may have snuck a piece or two!)
Visit The Grate Canadian Cheese Cook Off and test out a few recipes yourself! Or, drop it off to a friend!
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About: Dairy Farmers of Canada:
Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interest of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.
Disclaimer: I received all of the product required to make this Mac & Cheese. All opinions, as always, are my own.
OMG sounds amazing, looks amazing, and I imagine it smells and tastes amazing too.
Absolutely fantastic! They’re serving it on the menu at 2 Doors Down…of make it yourself! It was pretty straight forward.