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Pumpkin & Sage Mac & Cheese
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This recipe uses fresh pumpkin puree but you can used canned puree. Serves 8 For Homemade Pumpkin Puree • 1 small pie pumpkin, about 3 pounds For Mac & Cheese • 1 pound pasta, cooked to package instructions but slightly al dente • 4 Tablespoons butter • 3 large shallots diced or 1 small onion • 3 Tablespoons minced fresh sage • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 3 cups milk • 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree or 15 ounce (425g) canned pumpkin puree • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups) • 4 oz. parmesan cheese, grated, divided (about 1 1/2 cups) • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces optional |
Directions for Homemade Pumpkin Puree
1. Poke several holes in the whole pumpkin with a knife to allow steam to escape while cooking. Place the whole pumpkin on the unperforated steam oven pan.
2. Set the steam oven on Steam Convection Mode at 400°F and set oven timer for 35 minutes. Place the pumpkin in the oven and bake for the 35 minutes or until softened.
3. Allow to cool completely, remove the seeds and scoop out the flesh. Puree the pumpkin flesh until smooth.
Directions for Mac & Cheese
1. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and cook pasta until slightly al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped shallots or onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the sage and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk the flour into the onions. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until lumps are removed then add the pumpkin puree.
5. Continue whisking and cooking the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese (reserve about 1/2 cup of parmesan to top the mac & cheese).
6. Reduce to low heat and stir until cheese melts. Combine the sauce and cooked pasta and pour into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, remaining parmesan cheese and optional bacon pieces evenly on top of the pasta mixture.
8. Set the steam oven on Steam Convection Mode at 400°F and set oven timer for 15 minutes. Immediately place mac & cheese in oven and bake for the 15 minutes or until heated through and top is golden.
