Speared Spheres: Lobster Mac-n-Cheese Balls |
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Prep Time: 60 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes |
Ready In: 85 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni |
2 lobster tails |
kosher salt |
freshly ground black pepper |
2 tablespoons unsalted butter |
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
2 cups half-and-half, warmed, plus 2 tablespoons for egg wash |
1 pound cheddar, grated |
1/2 pound smoked gouda, grated |
1/2 pound spicy gouda, grated |
2 large eggs |
3 cups seasoned bread crumbs |
canola oil, for frying |
long bamboo spears or toothpicks |
Directions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the lobster tails. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tails from the water and cool. Gently remove the meat and chop into small chunks. Add the meat to a small bowl and lightly season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the butter. Sprinkle the flour into the butter and stir it with a whisk. Cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the warmed 2 cups of half- and-half into the flour mixture, working out any lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently mix in chopped lobster meat. Fold the lobster-cheese sauce into the macaroni.
4. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a shallow pan and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours. Shape the cold macaroni and cheese into individual size balls and arrange them on a parchment paper-lined tray. Freeze the balls at least another 2 hours. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and 2 tablespoons half-and-half together to form an egg wash. Put the bread crumbs into another shallow bowl. Remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the freezer. Dip the frozen balls into the egg wash, then into the bread crumbs. Put the balls back into the freezer until you are ready to fry.
5. In a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough canola oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot, to 350 degrees F. Fry the macaroni and cheese balls, in batches, until they are golden brown and center is hot, about 5 minutes. Remove the balls to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
6. Skewer the balls with a long bamboo spears to help hold together, and serve.
7. This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.
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