I learned to listen to my heart long ago…. it’s just as powerful as the mind, and equally as wise. Even if I refused to listen, it makes itself heard. The heart wants what it wants…. it could be a MAD love affair or a kiss in the rain or simply a cup of mac and cheese. I have a mad love and I may want to kiss in the rain if it’s not going to frizz my hair, but one thing is certain, I always want mac and cheese. I recently had a little gathering and since valentine’s day is around the corner, I made heart shaped cups of my favorite mac and cheese. Or maybe I made them for my demanding heart. Which ever the case – AMOR conquers all!
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Cups:
1 – pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half) (I saute them first in a tablespoon of olive oil)
1 – tablespoon Lawry’s seasoning salt
1 – tablespoon black pepper
1/2 – pound macaroni (cooked according to package)
6 – sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 – cups chopped ham
1/4 – cup chopped green onion (white part only)
1/4 – cup torn pieces of fresh basil
2 – cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 – cups shredded jack cheese
1 – teaspoon chili flakes
24 – heart shaped baking cups
1 – stick butter
1 – tablespoon minced garlic
1 – can 12 ounces evaporated milk ( I use Nestle)
2 – cups half and half
1 – tablespoon spicy brown mustard
3/4 – cup panko bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 400 fahrenheit
In a big bowl combine cherry tomatoes, Lawry’s, black pepper, macaroni, mushrooms, ham, green onion, basil, cheddar cheese, jack cheese, and chili flakes. Mix well. Then fill each heart shaped baking cup with a few tablespoons of mixture.
Line two cookie sheets with aluminum foil then place your heart shaped baking cups side by side.
In a big pan, over a medium flame, add butter and melt down.
Then add garlic to melted butter, along with evaporated milk, half and half, and spicy brown mustard. Mix well and make sure to really mix the mustard in.
Bring butter/cream mixture to a slight boil. Then pull off flame and fill each cup with 1/8 of cup of cream mixture.
Then top each cup with a big pinch on panko crumbs.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Serve hot! 🙂
I could fall in love with mac- over and over again!
Hola Blog Hermana! Hey, you had me at Mac! Love this recipe. I would probably do it without the ham and maybe add spinach, but yummy!
I had these at your house and loved them!!!! Where did you get the heart-shaped tins?
Yummm! I’m in love with this recipe! Really tasty and cute!
Cute and delicious! Happy Valentine’s Day! xo
Yum! I’ve been craving mac & cheese!
First of all I have to say since the day we met and started reading your blog, I have been wanting to try your food. Thank goodness I finally did and this was the perfect mac & cheese….loved it! I couldn’t stop eating it….LOL
Definitely going to try this recipe for sure!!
Happy Vday!!
Love mac and cheese!! OMG with chili,ham and green onion..yo quiero!!
super cute! I loved it !
Que rico! I’m trying this for my son :)) I’m sure he’ll love it. Y tengo un hambre as I’m reading this that I wish I could make them right now.
Great idea !!! Something yummy and very unique !! Love it !!
hubby and i had the honor of eating this. we approve this message.
“I may want to kiss in the rain if it’s not going to frizz my hair.” Hilarious beyond says this curly topped hermana who can relate! I think this recipe and presentation is an example of big surprises coming in pretty little packages. Well done!
how stinking cute. not a huge fan of mac n cheese but this is such an adorable way to serve it! I hope you had a lovely V-day!
I heart how you served these! Too cute!
Those heart-shaped cups are adorable. Nice recipe!