Finesse- Delicacy and refinement of performance, execution or workmanship. This defines the olympic skaters that have rehearsed the same maneuvers countless times. This defines the violinist whose repetitive and torturous practice has led to a holy perfection of every note. This word defines the college senior, whose trial and error, and numerous successful attempts have labeled him as such. Finesse is knowing how to make Macaroni and Cheese.
Sure, just like performing neurosurgery, it looks easy. But the reality is, mac & cheese isn't just a culinary discipline; it's a philosophy and a way of life.
Learning to first master temperature, time, amounts and ingredients is just the birth of the boil. There is so much more to be learned. But Rome was not cooked in a day. The first step is being able to make it without the box. Memorization of the amounts and steps is a fair but sophomoric start.
You must rid yourself of your earthly gauges. Measuring cups and spoons must be forgotten. You must tune in and feel the amounts. Splash in the milk. Let it be free. Implement the butter using only a knife or spatula, for someday, they may be the only things clean.
You must get this "feel" for the amounts to perfect it to your own taste; not everyone enjoys the same consistancy. Only then can you progress into the creative.
Specialty M&C's are nothing less than art you can eat. Entry level attempts usually begin simply.
M&C Altuna- A richly prepared dish of pasta and cheeses, complimented with select cuts of fancy yellowfin.
M&C Salsita- A zesty plate of pasta and cheddar, capped with a designer smoother of chunky salsa (hot or mild)
M&Cheeseburger- A purely patriotic plate of tender pasta, lean ground beef and plenty of cheese. A real American treat when garnished with ketchup, mustard and relish.
Although fairly typical, these dishes must too be mastered to graduate. After mastery, the fridge is the limits. Yesterday's hay is today's gourmet.
Of course, not all delicacies are perfected from the word go. M&C mixed proportionally with spaghetti sauce will leave you with a rancid aroma, a caustic cleanup and a dish you wouldn't serve your dog.
Equally as bad (if not much, much worse) M&C stirred up with instant mashed potatoes will not only leave an impossible cleanup, but offers a taste and consistency that only compares with wet mortar. Trust me on this one, it will make you feel like you ate a bag of sand. (It seals up cracks nicely, though)
Sometimes, in preparation of a breakthrough dish, I'll neglect to even use that cheese packet. It usually turns out to be spaghetti, but it opens an unusual and edible door (literally).
Save that little gem for the next meal. With lockjaw and clogged veins, I give you M&C2. I know, I know. It should be (2)M&C. But after you try it, you'll agree that the name should reflect an exponential cheese value. Mmmm, boy!
As a friendly aficianado, I'm willing to let you in on a few of my favorites. I won't give you the directions, but rather, allow you to explore a palette of tastes by name alone.;
Strawberry Smuckers M&C; Oreo's M&C; M&C Key lime; M &Three Cheese; M&C Stewed Tomatoes; Macaroni and Cheese Curls; MD M&C (to kill the Mad Dog munchies); Jay then M&C (The best you've ever had!)
I can't say enough about this savory and versatile delicacy. For its cost effectiveness, packaging, flavor and nutritional value, it's the number one choice of college students nationwide. And although I hate it with all the spite and disgust of war, a meal is always just nine minutes away.