This is a great option for anyone who loves macaroni cheese without all of the hassle of making a béchamel sauce. The addition of the cherry tomatoes and ham make it more of a meal that all of the family should enjoy.
Ingredients:
225g dried macaroni; 200g carton crème fraîche; two large egg yolks; one teaspoon of Dijon style mustard; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 100g mature hard cheese, finely grated; 225g cherry tomatoes; 100g cooked ham slices, chopped; lightly dressed green salad and ciabatta bread, to serve.
Method:
Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180ºC (350ºF ). Cook the macaroni in a large pan of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.
Place the crème fraîche in a bowl and beat in the egg yolks and mustard, then season to taste. Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Stir in the crème fraîche mixture with the cheese, then gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and ham. Tip the macaroni mixture into an ovenproof dish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Leave to stand for a few minutes and then serve straight from the dish with a large bowl of salad and some slices of ciabatta bread to hand around separately.
Cook's note:
Small blanched broccoli florets would also work well instead of ham.
