White Cheddar Chili Mac

White Cheddar Chili Mac
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This week began with a time change and freezing rain. The worst form of precipitation coupled with the devastating realization that it gets dark at 5 pm now. Add in the deeply depressing state of the world and the fact I still had to do my job and be a somewhat pleasant member of society throughout this upheaval and that all adds up to one hell of the week. My cats were particularly unnerved by the shift in their feeding schedule. So in the midst of crying cats, terrible headlines, and working until darkness falls, there is only one solution: comfort food. And what is more comforting than a bowl of Mac and cheese?  Today’s White Cheddar Chili Mac marries the charms of the cheesy classic with the much beloved white chili. A creamy and fiery bowl of carbs that will soothe your seasonal affective disorder like no other. 

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Smoked Gouda and Pear Pasta Salad

Smoked Gouda and Pear Pasta Salad with Pickled Shallot Dressing
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For me, pasta salad is not seasonal. Pasta, both hot and cold, has a place on my table throughout the seasons. Admittedly, a pasta salad is less likely to turn up in February. But if I happened upon one, I cannot imagine a context in which I would say no to it. So yes, I am serving you this Smoked Gouda and Pear Pasta Salad deep into October and I’m not the least bit sorry about it. I did, of course, intend to post it at some point in September as a bridge recipe between summer and fall but did that happen? No. Late summer and early fall are always a time warp for me but that’s unimportant. What is important is this salad, while seasonally questionable, is very good. Like, very very good and you should make and eat it good. So let’s get into it.

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Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear

Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear and Fried Sage
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I am a huge fan of salty/sweet combos. They make my heart sing. I never tire of them. I love them so much that I’m willing to tamper with an Italian classic for the sake of them. And I’ve got to tell you, that is a very dangerous thing to do on the Internet. There are apparently a lot of keyboard warriors out there who moonlight as experienced Italian chefs. But even though my exploits may elicit eye rolls and snide comments, the palette wants what it wants. And my palette wants Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear and Fried Sage. Who am I to argue?

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BLT Pappardelle

BLT Pappardelle
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Okay, I realize today’s BLT Pappardelle might be a tad controversial. Admittedly using a sandwich as a jumping-off point for a pasta dish is a little eyebrow-raising. I mean, for some strange reason the BLT makes sense as a salad even as a pasta salad, but a pasta fresh from the skillet? It’s also a pasta that isn’t remotely Italian, which the Internet generally hates. And there is the question of hot lettuce – is that really something we need in our lives? All of these are valid points and reasonable reasons not wanting to make this BLT Pappardelle. But I have one counterargument –  this dish is freaking delicious and well worth the rule-breaking. And I promise the lettuce is introduced after the pasta has been taken off of the heat. 

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