Mad Scientist Mac ’N‘ Cheese
Take mac ’n‘ cheese to the next level with a Thanksgiving and seafood twist.
Yes, that’s right! We combined the flavors of Thanksgiving (cranberries and sweet potatoes) with the power of a lobster and shrimp macaroni and cheese.
The craziest part of it all? It turned out absolutely amazing.
Ingredients:
For the Seafood Mac and Cheese:
1 lb pasta of choice
6 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
3 cups half and half
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded aged cheddar
1 cup Gruyère
1/2 cup Parmesan
8 oz bag of mozzarella pearls
2 lobster tails (chunked)
1/2 lb shrimp (seared or roasted, tails off)
1 clove garlic
For the Mad Scientist Thanksgiving Components:
Cranberry Reduction “Serum”: a tart, glossy drizzle (think edible lab experiment)
1 cup cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 Merman’s Revenge Honey Habanero Glaze (simmer and strain)
1 tbsp lemon zest
Dash of nutmeg
Sweet Potato Foam: a light, sweet, molecular twist
Pureed roasted sweet potato
Heavy whipping cream
A nitrous siphon (if available)
Optional:
A small spoon of caviar per serving (black or golden)
Microgreens or edible gold dust for drama
Crispy sage “specimens” (fried sage leaves)
Stuffing crumbs or toasted stuffing cubes as a crunchy topping
Smoked Gouda mist (if you have a smoke gun, infuse the dish with a waft of smoked cheese aroma before serving)
Directions:
1. Prepare your pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb pasta until al dente (about 8–9 minutes, but follow the instructions on your box for pasta perfection).
Drain and set aside.
2. Mix up your cheese sauce.
In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp (30 g) flour; cook 1–2 minutes until you have a lightly golden roux.
Slowly whisk in 3 cups half and half and 1 cup cream, whisking constantly so it doesn’t curdle. Be sure to whisk briskly so it combines with the roux. Cook for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
Stir in your cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until smooth.
Leave on low heat or set aside while working on your seafood. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick, burn, or clump up.
3. Cook your seafood.
In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 1 clove garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Season your 1/2 lb shrimp with Merman’s Revenge Blackened Seasoning. Sear 1–2 minutes per side or until just cooked. Repeat this step with your lobster tails.
Toss seafood into your cheese sauce and blend it in. Add in your mozzarella pearls. Then pour your cheesy concoction over your pasta.
4. Add your optional Mad Scientist finishing touches.
Plate your mac and cheese. Drizzle on your cranberry “Serum.”
Top each serving with a puff or quenelle of your Sweet Potato Foam.
Add 1 tsp caviar, crispy sage, and a sprinkle of stuffing crumbs.
For drama, finish with a waft of smoked Gouda mist or a smoke dome reveal.
5. Enjoy!
