Quarantine at Home Series: Cholula Andouille Corn Mac & Cheese

     MY WIFE LOVES MACARONI AND CHEESE.  Me, not so much, but I try to accommodate her on nights other than "Cook's Choice".  I have a very nice cookbook that specializes in these meals, but recently I found yet another on a Cajun Family Website.  Don't get me wrong, I like Mac n Cheese provided it's not too simplistic and there is something else added, such as meat, vegees, a variety of cheeses, etc. Andouille is not critical, but a suitable sausage with some spice is.  It depends on your tastes. I used 1 link Andouille and 1 link Kielbasa. 

4 cups pasta (any shape)
4 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 cups shredded cheddar (Sargento or other GOOD cheese)
several BIG splashes Cholula  or your choice of hot sauce
2 tsp salt
2 links Andouille, sliced (I used 1 Andouille, 1 Kielbasa)
2 ears of fresh corn, shucked or 1 can kernel corn
1 bunch green onions, diced

       Preheat oven to 450F.  Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.   When melted whisk in flour till combined smoothly. Whisk milk into mix and continue stirring till thickened, about 8 minutes.  Also, slice and simmer Andouille in skillet till lightly browned.

Stirring the initial Roux, milk and cheese are next

Simmerin' sausage just till lightly browned for flavor

      Mix in cheese and stir until incorporated; remove from heat.  Stir in all remaining ingredients except bread crumbs until evenly mixed.

Ingredients mixed and ready to go into oven

      Place mixture into 9" by 11" casserole dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.  Place in oven and bake for 25 minutes or top is golden and bubbly.

Plated for dinner

      Warm, bubbly, meaty, and spicy flavor takes over this version of Mac n Cheese.  It is delicious. My bride, of course, was happy......

"I'll always order macaroni and cheese, but I don't want it to be fancy"
Drew Barrymore

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