Issue 015: Get A Taste of Haiti

Hey Q-Crew!

It’s Caribbean Heritage Month! I’m so excited to share my heritage with you all through tasty flavorful dishes and explore the mouthwatering cuisines of other islands. Today we’re headed to Haiti, the first Caribbean nation to become independent, with Macaroni Gratiné aka Haitian Mac and Cheese!

Inspired by french cooking traditions brought to the island during colonization, the Haitian people adapted the recipe to both their unique cultural tastes and environmental circumstances. Instead of using fresh cream they typically use shelf-stable evaporated milk, which doesn’t require refrigeration, and they added local seasonings and staples like epis, onions, and bell peppers. From there, everyone has their own special recipe! Some incorporate meat like spam, ham, turkey, or ground beef. Some don’t add meat at all. 

This month’s theme is Caribbean Heritage Month! Recognized in the U.S. every June, this month celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of the islands of the Caribbean. Of course, we’re going to celebrate it through food! This may be the most traditional my recipes ever get (with my own small twists). Each week we’ll visit new countries through their culinary staples.

Macaroni Gratiné

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 24 oz pasta
• 1.5 lb Ground beef
• 2 tbsp epis
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1/2 green pepper diced
• 1/2 red pepper diced
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups half & half
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 chicken Maggi cube
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 4 oz mozzarella shredded
• 12 oz extra sharp cheddar shredded
• 4 oz swiss cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 8 oz cheddar jack cheese shredded

Step 2: Add the butter to the hot pan.

Step 4: Mix in the garlic, onions, and peppers and sautee until softened.

Step 6: Mix in the flour and stir for 2 minutes.

Step 8: Stir in the Maggi cube, black pepper, and nutmeg then let thicken.

Step 10: Remove from heat then slowly mix in the swiss, mozzarella, and extra sharp cheddar cheese until you get a smooth sauce. Don’t dump all the cheese in at once or it will break and run the texture.

Step 12: Pour the pasta into an oven safe baking dish, layering with more shredded cheese in the middle and on top.

Step 14: Let rest for 5 minutes then serve!