The Ditch Dog Recipes

DITCH DOGS

Steps:

• Make the mac and cheese: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs until al dente. Drain the pasta well and let cool.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and 2 cups heavy cream over medium heat until warm (do not boil). In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the butter and stir until incorporated, about 5 minutes, making sure it doesn't brown. Add the warm milk and heavy cream, in batches, and whisk until incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking, about 15 minutes.
• Add the American, gruyere and parmesan cheeses to the milk mixture and whisk until melted, 2 to 3 minutes (do not boil). Remove from the heat. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches and puree). Let cool to room temperature and mix with the pasta.
• Make the hot dogs: Lightly oil a grill pan and preheat over medium-high heat. Grill the hot dogs until slightly charred, 5 to 7 minutes. Reheat the mac and cheese in a saucepan with the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream; season with salt and pepper. Place the hot dogs on the buns and top with the mac and cheese. Season with pepper.

THE DITCH DOG

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; generously salt water and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until well combined, 5 to 6 minutes, taking care not to let the mixture brown. Slowly add milk mixture, whisking until well combined. Bring to a simmer and let cook 15 minutes.
• Whisk in cheese until melted and sauce has thickened; remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture until smooth; season with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir in pasta until fully coated; set macaroni and cheese aside.
• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Grill hot dogs until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer hot dogs to buns, and top each with about 1/3 cup reserved macaroni and cheese. Serve immediately.