MAC AND CHEESE SKEWERS

Mac and Cheese Skewers image

Provided by The Hearty Boys

Time 2h45m

Yield 40 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 9

Salt, for pasta water
1/3 pound rigatoni (about 40 pieces)
4 ounces easy melting American Cheese (recommended: Velveeta)
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 eggs, lightly beaten with 2 teaspoons water, for egg wash
2 cups vegetable oil
20 cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

Fill a saucepan halfway with water and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and salt the water liberally. Add the rigatoni and cook 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse well under cold water and set aside.
Cut the block of cheese into 1/2-inch slices and cut each slice into 4 equal pieces lengthwise. Cut each piece in half. You should have 40 pieces. Slide 1 piece of the cheese into each rigatoni (the size should be near perfect.)
Pour the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley into a small bowl and mix well. Working in small batches, put the stuffed rigatoni into the egg wash first, then roll in the bread crumb mixture. Place in a sealable container (they can be stacked on top of each other). Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours and up to 2 weeks.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
Pour the vegetable oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat for 5 minutes. Test by dropping a cube of bread into the oil; if it turns golden within 1 minute the oil is ready.
Working in batches of 6 to 8 and using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the rigatoni into the oil. Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the bread crumbs are a golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all of the rigatoni have been fried. Keep warm in the preheated oven.
To serve, skewer 1 piece of the mac and cheese and a cherry tomato half with a frilly toothpick. Serve while still warm.