Bahamas - Bahamian Macaroni & Cheese

A calorific and heavy take on Mac and cheese. You might die a delicious death :)

Aneri's note: During my senior year of college for spring break, I visited the Bahamas on my first and only cruise. My girl squad and I signed up for snorkeling off Pearl Island in the Bahamas. It’s this beautiful tiny island (probably less than a mile long) with a coral reef. I was really excited because I have never been snorkeling before. The current was really strong that morning though and after I put on my snorkel gear and hopped into the ocean, I was definitely hit backwards twice. Once I started swimming, it became much easier, though the waves definitely knocked my mouthpiece out on a number of occasions. I was much more interested in what was below me though, tons and tons of fish! There were schools of fish swimming, big rainbow fish, angel fish, one several feet long, and lots of tiny ones too. Some fish were at least 4 colors, one was even hot pink and hot blue! There were lots of coral too, such as brain coral and tall ones. I became hooked on snorkeling ever since.

---

Bahamian Macaroni & Cheese

Difficulty level (1-10): 7

Bahamian Macaroni & Cheese is a very calorificly heavy, but delicious dish. Great for cheese and pasta lovers!

Ingredients:

Bell pepper - 1/2, diced

Onion - 1/2, diced

Eggs - 4

Evaporated milk - 12 oz

Elbow macaroni - 1 lb

Black pepper

Habanero pepper - 1, minced

Paprika - 2 TB

Salt

Butter - 1/2 cup

Cheddar cheese - 32 oz

Recipe:

1. Bring water to boil in a pot and add macaroni pasta. Boil until tender.

2. Strain macaroni and put back in the pot. Add the butter and stir until it melts

3. Stir cheese in evenly. Reserve a quarter for topping.

4. Add paprika, black pepper, onion, bell pepper, pepper and stir until cheese is melted and blended.

5. Beat eggs lightly and stir into the mixture

6. Slowly add evaporated milk, pouring half a cup at a time. Stir well and spread mixture evenly into a large prepared baking pan.

7. Top with remaining cheese and cover with foil.

8. Bake at 375 for 1 hour until top is golden color.

This dish was adapted from Tru Bahamian Food Tours and Just a Pinch.

---

Like this recipe? Be sure to check out my upcoming Barbados post as well for a similar Pigeon Peas & rice dish!