New Soul Kitchen’s Chef Jernard Wells Shares Quarantine Holiday Recipes

New Soul Kitchen Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this mouthwatering Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe from Chef Jernard Wells’ New Soul Kitchen. With a perfect blend of tender lobster meat and gooey cheese, this dish is a true delight for seafood lovers. It’s an exquisite fusion of flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own home.

#### Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni pasta
• 1 lobster tail, cooked and chopped
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 cup fontina cheese, grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to make a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
6. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
8. Add the cooked macaroni pasta and chopped lobster tail to the cheese sauce. Stir until well coated.
9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare:

This Lobster Mac & Cheese is an extraordinary dish that requires some preparation to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including the macaroni pasta, cooked lobster tail, and an assortment of cheeses. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. Cook the macaroni pasta as per the package instructions and set it aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes until a roux is formed. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until a smooth and thickened mixture is achieved. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to add a hint of spice.

Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture. Now, it’s time to add the cooked macaroni pasta and the star of the dish, the chopped lobster tail. Stir everything together until the pasta and lobster are well coated with the cheese sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter to create a crunchy topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese and bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Once the Lobster Mac & Cheese is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The combination of tender lobster meat, gooey cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping will leave your taste buds craving for more. It’s a decadent dish that is perfect for special occasions or indulgent meals.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time required to cook the macaroni pasta, prepare the cheese sauce, and assemble the dish. The actual baking time in the oven is around 25-30 minutes.

Servings:

This recipe serves around 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. It can be easily adjusted to accommodate larger or smaller gatherings. Feel free to scale the ingredients accordingly to meet your serving needs.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition facts for this Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. However, a typical serving (approximately 1 cup) provides the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 21g

Tips:

- To enhance the flavor profile of the Lobster Mac & Cheese, you can add some diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, or chopped herbs like parsley or basil.

- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gruyère, Asiago, or Parmesan can be excellent alternatives or additions to the cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina cheeses.

- If you’re unable to find fresh lobster, you can substitute it with frozen or canned lobster meat. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the dish.

- For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the Lobster Mac & Cheese for a couple of minutes after baking.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Lobster Mac & Cheese in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply follow the recipe steps until transferring the mixture to the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! This Lobster Mac & Cheese can be frozen for future enjoyment. Ensure that it cools completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different pasta shapes to create unique variations of this recipe. Elbow macaroni is commonly used, but shells, penne, or rigatoni can work well too.

Experience the culinary magic of Chef Jernard Wells’ New Soul Kitchen with this delectable Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe. It’s a dish that brings together the elegance of lobster with the comforting allure of creamy cheese sauce. Impress your loved ones and elevate your next gathering with this irresistible and decadent indulgence. So, put on your apron, grab your cooking utensils, and embark on a flavor-filled journey that will leave everyone craving for seconds!