TRADITIONAL BAHAMIAN MAC AND CHEESE

Traditional Bahamian Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 c butter
2 16-oz bag(s) cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large white onion, diced
4 eggs
black pepper
2 pinch salt
2 tsp paprika
1 habanero pepper or goat pepper, diced
12 oz evaporated milk

Steps:

1. Add 2 pinches of salt to large pot of water. Bring water to a boil and add uncooked macaroni pasta. Boil until tender.
2. Strain macaroni and place back in pot. Add butter and stir in macaroni until butter melts.
3. Slowly stir in most of cheese evenly. Reserve 8 ounces (or half of a 16 ounce bag) for later topping.
4. Add paprika, black pepper, onion, bell pepper, and 1/2 of a finely diced habanero or goat pepper. Stir well until cheese is melted and blended.
5. Beat eggs lightly and stir into mixture.
6. Slowly add evaporated milk, pouring about half a cup at a time.
7. Stir well, and spread the mixture evenly into a large prepared baking pan about 13 x 9.
8. Top with remainder of cheese and loosely cover with foil.
9. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until top is a golden color.
10. Allow macaroni to cool for 45-50 minutes until room temperature before serving.