Melt The Art of Macaroni and Cheese

I ran across this lady on Pinterest and Facebook who posted some the best recipes.  I began following her and soon realized that we have a couple of things in common. One, she love food! Two, she lives in the Bay Area around where I used to live.  I soon came to appreciate her recipes, food talk and conversation. 

She asked me if I would like to preview a copy of her new cookbook. Of course I jumped on it.  As soon as the book arrived I tore it open and began working my way through it.  The book begins with the traditional orientation to cheese and pasta, but then it veers off into this culinary roadtrip of "not your momma's" mac and cheese.  It has elevated mac and cheese to a sophisticated dish worthy of any occasion or table.

My favorite recipe is the Pumpkin Stuffed with Fontina, Italian Sausage and Macaroni.  The mac and cheese would be delicious on it own with the fontina and gruyere cheeses, but the addition of italian sausage and the pumpkin it's cooked in, add a tasty, depth not usually seen in mac and cheese.  My 16 year olds turned their noses up when I told them what I was fixing. However, one told me at dinner "mom, this is the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had." Quite a compliment from one who has the culinary range of about 10 dishes. 

I urge to buy a copy of this book.  It will change the way you look at mac and cheese.  They are also having a giveaway and you could win $500 set of Le Creuset cookware.  Click here for details http://www.meltmacaroni.com/2013/le-creuset-and-melt-a-huge-giveaway/

Here's a link the the video trailer for the book. Go... Now... You won't be sorry.  http://vimeo.com/73431292

Recipes: Stephanie Stiavetti and Garrett McCord, Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company

Photos: Matt Armendariz, Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company