Macaroni and cheese with goat cheese and white wine

September 6, 4:50 PMOrlando Cooking ExaminerDawn Viola

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Dry white wine and creamy goat cheese add freshness and tang to traditional macaroni and cheese, while just-picked basil and summer cherry tomatoes bring a sweet balance.

Macaroni and cheese with goat cheese and white wine
Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 lb. elbow or ziti macaroni
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup white wine 
2 cups of Chicken stock
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup gruyere cheese, grated
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
7 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
10 cherry tomatoes, diced

Directions:
Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the macaroni. When the water boils, add the macaroni and cook for 7 minutes, or per package directions.

As the water is coming to a boil, add the olive oil to a medium sauce pan on medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic. Add the butter, adjusting the heat to prevent the butter from burning. When butter is melted, add the flour and stir - this will create a paste (a roux) that will thicken the cheese sauce. Cook the paste for about one minute, stirring to prevent it from burning.

Add the wine and stir - this will loosen and thin the roux. Slowly add chicken stock a little at a time, stirring to incorporate thinning the roux and turning it into a sauce. The consistency of the sauce should be like a thick gravy.

Add the goat cheese and stir until melted. Add the gruyere and parmesan and stir until melted.

Add the cream and nutmeg. Taste for salt and pepper and add as needed. If the cheese sauce is too thick, thin out with more wine or chicken stock.

Drain the macaroni well, and add to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the macaroni. Add the tomatoes and basil, stir to incorporate. Serve immediately.

Dawn Viola is a nationally recognized artist, food writer and competitive cook from Central Florida. Watch her latest food competition win on Food Network, September 13, 8 p.m. East, during the Amazing Pie Championship. You can also follow Dawn on Twitter, Wicked Good Dinner and at www.dawnviola.com.