MAINE LOBSTER TRUFFLE MAC & CHEESE
MAINE LOBSTER TRUFFLE MAC & CHEESE
This is a decadent side dish for a holiday feast, thanks to mascarpone and goat cheeses, black truffles, and butter-sautéed Maine lobster. The original directions call for it being plated, it also works to prep it in advance and keep it covered in a warm oven. For added crunch, top it with panko flakes and melted butter, and set it under the broiler for a few minutes. Serve with a glass of rich white Burgundy wine. Recipe courtesy of Chef Margaret McLellen
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 1 pound high quality dried pasta (shells or another shape that will hold sauce)
- 1 pound salted butter cut into 1-inch chunks at room temperature
- 4 ounce goat cheese at room temperature
- 1 1/2 pound cooked maine lobster meat cut in 1-inch pieces
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of white pepper
- 1 ounce minced black truffles
- 3 black truffles thinly sliced
- 2 ounce heavy cream at room temperature
- 8 ounce mascarpone at room temperature
Directions
- Bring 2 gallons of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta, and cook according to package instructions, until it’s al dente. Strain and return to the pot.
- Add the mascarpone, goat cheese and heavy cream to pasta in pot. Add the seasonings and minced truffles, stirring gently. (Do not over stir.)
- Cover and keep warm.
- Bring 1 tablespoon of water to a boil in a heavy, deep sauté pan. Reduce heat to low, and add butter, one or two chunks at a time, whisking to create an emulsion.
- Add the Maine lobster meat to the pan, and gently stir to incorporate it with the butter.
- To plate, spoon 4-6 ounces of mac and cheese into the center of 8 pasta bowls or slope-sided plates. Fan 3 slices of paper thin truffles on top. Divide the lobster and sauce evenly among the plates.
- Alternatively, carefully mix the lobster meat and butter into the pasta and cheese combination, and then transfer to a casserole dish that’s been buttered or sprayed with cooking spray. Cover, and place in a warm oven until ready to serve. Top with thin truffle slices and serve.