ORZO MAC AND CHEESE BAR

INGREDIENTS

• 4 pounds Barilla Orzo
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups finely chopped onions or shallots
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 quarts chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 8 cups shredded cheddar or other cheese
• black pepper
• Optional toppings:
• sauteed sliced mushrooms
• cooked sausage
• rendered bacon lardons
• sauteed rock shrimp
• sauteed asparagus tips
• sliced scallions

PREPARATION

1. 1. Bring the stock to a simmer, then reduce the heat to keep it warm.
2. 2. Heat the oil in a large, wide pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions or shallots and cook until softened. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the orzo and salt, stirring to coat the orzo with oil and toast it slightly.
3. 3. Stir about 2 cups of stock and some of the wine into the orzo. Slowly stir and cook until the orzo absorbs the liquid. Continue to slowly stir in the stock and wine, letting it absorb almost all of the liquid, until it is creamy but still ad dente.
4. 4. Stir in the cheese until it melts; season with pepper. Put the mac and cheese in a warming pan and set it on a buffet line with each topping option in a separate container.