(Family Features) Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.
This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this Apple Wreath Salad or Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese, both perfect for holiday parties.
Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year by pairing Hallmark Channel’s popular “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle and Brown Butter Apple Pie.
Find more memory-making recipes at EnvyApple.com.
Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese
Salted water
1 pound macaroni noodles
4 tablespoons butter
1 Envy apple, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Romano cheese, grated
1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
Topping:
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced apple until caramelized and tender. Sprinkle in flour and stir. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Whisk in heavy cream and milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so milk doesn’t burn.
Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, gruyere cheese, salt and Worcestershire. Continue whisking until cheese is melted thoroughly.
Carefully pour mixture into large blender and blend on high until smooth.
Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir.
Pour macaroni and cheese into 9-by-13-inch pan and spread evenly.
Heat oven to broil.
To make topping: In medium bowl, melt butter and stir in panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni and cheese; broil until golden brown.
Source: Envy Apples
