Creole Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni pasta - 500g
• Creamy cheese - 250g (such as Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
• Shredded cooked ham - 150g
• Green bell peppers - 100g (chopped)
• Celery - 100g (chopped)
• Onion - 100g (chopped)
• Minced garlic - 2 tsp
• Chicken broth - 500ml
• Butter - 50g
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Breadcrumbs - 50g (optional topping)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the macaroni pasta in salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
5. Stir in the ham and cook for a few minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7. Add the creamy cheese and stir until fully melted and combined with the other ingredients.
8. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture.
9. Transfer the macaroni mixture into a baking dish.
10. Top with breadcrumbs (if using) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 18g

Dish Characteristics:

• A rich and creamy dish with a savory flavor from the ham and spices.
• The combination of vegetables and cheese makes it both hearty and comforting.
• The dish has a slight kick from the celery and bell peppers, giving it a unique Creole flavor.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "I love the creamy cheese and the added crunch from the breadcrumbs on top."
3. "This is a great dish for a family meal. My kids loved it too!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the ham or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.