Miami Macaroni and Cheese

From THE GREAT BIG CHEESE COOKBOOK, Running Press, 2010

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Ingredients

2 cups diced pancetta (1/4 inch)		3 pints (6 cups) heavy cream
3/4 loaf baguette (dry)		2 cups (about 8 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, to taste		12 ounces fontina cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes and chilled
1 1/2 pounds rotelli pasta		Salt and pepper, to taste

Total:

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1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a baking sheet with sides, cook the pancetta for 6 to 8 minutes or until just crispy. Drain and set aside.
2
Crush and crumble the baguette (you may use a food processor), until semi-fine, to make breadcrumbs. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast (tossing), until golden brown. Set aside.
3
Cook the pasta until al dente; cool, and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a hot saucepan add the cream and bring to a boil. Simmer and reduce by one-third. Slowly whisk in 11/4 cups of the Parmesan and the pancetta. Continue reducing slightly until the consistency is thick and creamy.
4
In the large mixing bowl with the pasta, add the cream mixture along with the fontina cheese. Toss quickly and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into lightly buttered individual (5- to 6-ounce) casserole baking dishes. Top with the breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and serve hot.

You may also use one large casserole dish for this recipe.

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