Hosting Thanksgiving 101

Hosting Thanksgiving is a significant deal, especially if it's your first time. From the preparation to the cooking, there's a lot to be done. It's essential to create a welcoming space for family and friends. Adding subtle home decor that is festive also makes a difference. Remember to tell everyone when dinner starts and bring whatever dish they were assigned. Hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, but it's so rewarding. 

 

Are you looking for last-minute recipes? Try out this signature macaroni and cheese dish. 

Ingredients 

  • 16 oz (500 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) colby jack cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) American cheese, cubed
  • 4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, cubed and room temperature
  • 1 cup (250 ml) half and half
  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon (4g) smoked paprika
  • 1-2 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 large eggs

 

Recipes

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Butter an 8 by 11 or 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Fill a large stockpot or dutch oven halfway with water and bring to a boil. 
  3. Add in elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente. Do not fully cook or overcook the macaroni pasta, it'll finish cooking through completely in the oven. Once just under al dente, drain the pasta.
  4. While the pasta boils, use a wooden spoon to mix the half and half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Colby jack cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, all of the American cheese, and all of the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and some kosher salt and pepper, stirring well and tasting the mixture to ensure there is a good flavor. 
  6. Once satisfied with the seasoning, stir in the cooked macaroni and eggs until well incorporated with the cheese.
  7. Pour the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Top the macaroni and cheese generously with the rest of the cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Sprinkle the top with a little more smoked paprika, if desired.
  9. Bake the mac and cheese for 35 minutes or until the cheese crust is bubbly and nicely browned. 
  10. Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for about 10 minutes or until just cool enough to serve. Serve hot so the cheese is nice and creamy.

 

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