Alpine Baked Pasta Recipes

ÄLPLERMAGRONEN (SWISS ALPINE MACARONI)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
• In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium low heat. Add the onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 30 minutes.
• Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Once water comes to a boil, add the cubed potatoes. As they begin to soften, after about 5 minutes, add the dried penne. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and pasta is barely tender, about 7 minutes. The pasta will cook a little further as it bakes. Drain and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, season cream with salt, pepper, and about 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
• Add 1/3 of penne and potatoes to the bottom of prepared dish. Evenly cover with 1/3rd of the grated cheese. Top with another 1/3 of penne and potatoes. Top with another 1/3rd of the cheese, then remaining penne and potatoes. Top evenly with the remaining shredded cheese. Pour the seasoned cream over the layers.
• Bake in preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly top with the caramelized onions.
• Serve the Älplermagronen hot either over the applesauce or with the applesauce on the side. If desired, top with a little fresh parsley or chives.

ALPINE BAKED PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the water in a large pot and bring to the boil. Add the salt, return to the boil and add the
• pasta. When the water returns to the boil, begin to time the pasta carefully, and after 8 minutes of cooking time add the leeks. Cook the pasta and leeks together for another 2 minutes after the water has returned to the boil.
• While waiting for the pasta to cook, put the butter into a saucepan and begin to melt until golden brown. When the butter is a light nut brown add the sage and poppy seeds and set aside.
• The pasta leek combination should cook for a total time of about 10 to 11 minutes (check the recommended cooking time on the pasta box). Add the spinach in the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and toss with the sage butter, add the salt and pepper and place into a buttered gratin dish.
• Add both cheeses and stir to combine. Place the gratin dish into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted and the top edges begin to brown. Serve immediately.