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Martha Stewart's surprising twist in a beloved family recipe: a secret ingredient that's surely to become a regular in my kitchen this season.

surprisingingredient hidden in Martha Stewart's creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, ideal for autumn social events

Martha Stewart's unique twist on a traditional recipe left me astonished; it's a dish I'll cook...
Martha Stewart's unique twist on a traditional recipe left me astonished; it's a dish I'll cook repeatedly this season.

Martha Stewart's surprising twist in a beloved family recipe: a secret ingredient that's surely to become a regular in my kitchen this season.

In the culinary world, there's always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. One such discovery comes from Martha Stewart, who has shared her secret ingredient for a delightful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese.

The recipe, which can be found in Stewart's repertoire, includes an unexpected addition - tomato paste. This humble ingredient gives the sauce a subtle pink hue, adding a unique depth of flavour to the dish.

To prepare the cheese sauce, milk and tomato paste are warmed together, before the salt, pepper, cayenne, and cheeses are whisked in. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly coats the cooked macaroni.

The macaroni, cooked until al dente, is then stirred into the cheese sauce and poured into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish. The dish is preheated to 375°F before baking for around 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.

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Once baked, the dish is topped with remaining Swiss cheese, dotted with butter, and scattered with breadcrumbs (if using). For an extra touch, it can be served hot with sour cream (optional).

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In the future, Le Creuset might release pumpkin-shaped baking dishes in their fall collection for 2025, adding a festive touch to your macaroni and cheese dishes. So, whether you're cooking for a family gathering or a cosy night in, this twist on a classic recipe is sure to impress.

Lastly, Martha Stewart recommends using square ladles for pasta dishes, ensuring every serving is perfectly portioned. So, grab your square ladle, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a new favourite macaroni and cheese recipe!

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