Crab Cake, Mac n Cheese, Stewed Tomatoes And String Beans

1. Prep Pasta: Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
2. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a smooth roux.
3. Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add cheeses and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Combine: Mix the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni.
5. Bake (Optional): For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Stewed Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Add Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
3. Finish: Stir in fresh basil before serving.

String Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blanch Beans: Boil green beans in salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add green beans, salt, and pepper, cooking until heated through.
3. Season: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest.

Serving Suggestions:

• Presentation: Arrange each component neatly on a plate for a visually appealing presentation. The variety of colors and textures will make the dish stand out.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on the Mac n Cheese for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

Tips for Perfection:

• Crab Cakes: Chill the crab cake mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties to make them easier to handle.
• Mac n Cheese: For creamier Mac n Cheese, use a combination of cheeses and adjust the milk quantity as needed.
• Stewed Tomatoes: For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine during cooking.
• String Beans: Keep the beans crisp by not overcooking them; the quick blanch and sauté method preserves their texture and color.

By following these steps, you’ll create a balanced and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Each dish brings its unique taste and texture to the table, making for a memorable dining experience.