Mac and Cheese is one of the most comfort food items that I can think of. Earlier this month, I was sent a care package courtesy of Italpasta. It contained 2 packages of Italpasta Macaroni and Cheese (white cheddar), and a pair of cozy socks. The box also contained two recipe cards with detailed instructions on how to make Mac & Cheese Stuffed Sliders and Mac & Cheese Pizza (recipes below). I have bought pastas from Italpasta before, but I didn't know that they also made Mac & Cheese. 

A little background on Italpasta - it was founded by Joseph Vitale in 1989. They have since grown to become a premium manufacturer of pasta in Canada, and the #1 retail pasta brand in Ontario. 

Mac & Cheese Stuffed Sliders

Ingredients:

1 box (200 g) Italpasta Prepared Macaroni and Cheese-Original

1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef

1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh or dried bread crumbs

1/4 cup (60 mL) cooked chopped onions

1 egg

1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard

1 tsp (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper

Chipotle Mayonnaise:

1/2 cup (125 mL) mayonnaise

1 canned chipotle in adobo sauce, minced

1 tsp (5 mL) adobo sauce

1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice

1) Cook Macaroni and Cheese according to package directions. Spread into 8-inch (2 L) glass baking dish and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes or until cool. 

2) In large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, onions, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper; form into 12 patties. 

3) Press indent into each patty. Scoop 1 tbsp (15 mL) cooled macaroni and cheese and press into centre of each patty. Bring up ground beef to enclose completely. 

4) Heat grill to medium heat; grease grates well. Grill sliders for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until well grill-marked and internal temperature of beef reaches 160°F (71°C).

Mac and Cheese Pizza

Ingredients:

1 box (200g) Italpasta Macaroni & Cheese – original
1 lb (500g) pizza dough
1 tbsp (15ml) cornmeal
3/4 cup (175ml) pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups (375ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
4 strips cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) pepperoni slices

Directions:

1) Preheat over to 425°F (220°C). Cooked Italpasta Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions. Set aside.

2) Grease pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough into 1-4inch (35 cm) round; transfer dough to prepared pan. Spread evenly with sauce, leaving 1 inch (2.5cm) border around edge. Scattered cooked macaroni & cheese over top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, bacon and pepperoni.

3) Bake in lower third of oven for 18 and 20 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly. Service immediately.

The newly launched product is made with 100% Canadian wheat and real Canadian cheddar. Additionally, there aren't any artificial flavors. The products can be found at your local grocery stores like Wal-Mart, Metro, Longo's etc ... It comes in a variety of three flavors; Original, Extra creamy and White Cheddar. 

I opted for a bowl of regular mac & cheese, and followed the instructions as exactly instructed on the box. It was creamy, and comforting! 

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I am giving away an Italpasta Mac & Cheese Care Package below. Enter to win a package containing 2 packages of mac and cheese, socks, blanket and a cheese plush.