An Old Tradition Is Alive and Well in Kings Park

A few years ago, our friends Chris and Hilary organized an evening of Christmas caroling in their neighborhood.They were hesitant to invite us as they didn't think we knew the words to the songs. They were correct, but we have added a few they didn't know.

The first couple of years it was tough to get folks to open the door, the sight of fifty or more people on your front lawn can be a bit overwhelming.  When the door does open, joyous sound fills the air. Smiles on the faces and excitement of the children make it all worth it.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah! 

Now for the important part of the evening, the food!

By popular request, here is the recipe for my apparently famous Buffalo Mac and Cheese.

Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe courtesy of me.

Ingredients

1 box elbow macaroni

5 or 6 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1/2 cup of Franks Hot wing sauce (more or less depending
on desired spice level)

3 cups whole milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (I prefer white)

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 box of Tyson or Weaver spicy boneless buffalo chicken
bites

Topping

5 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to
al dente (approximately 7 minutes)

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, paprika and hot wing sauce. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni and buffalo chicken into the mix and pour into a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for a few minutes before serving.

Calories:  Many

Nutritional Value: Delicious