Post by @deandretjones

My wife is 6 months pregnant and she was craving Mac & cheese so tonight I made her Oxtail Mac & Cheese🤤 OXTAILS • 4 lb oxtails • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning • 1–2 tbsp browning sauce • ¼ cup ketchup • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 6 garlic cloves, minced • ½ onion, diced • 1 green bell pepper, diced • 2 green onions, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, plus a few sprigs • 2 habaneros (whole for less heat; chopped for more) • 1 tsp each: allspice, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder & black pepper • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp oil, for searing • 2–3 cups beef broth • 2 bay leaves CREAMY MAC & CHEESE • 1 lb elbow macaroni • 4 tbsp butter (57g) • ¼ cup flour • 3 cups whole milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp each: ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder & smoked paprika • Salt & pepper to taste • 2 cups each: sharp cheddar, mozzarella & smoked Gouda, freshly grated • Extra cheese & paprika for topping, optional OXTAIL DIRECTIONS 1️⃣ Trim excess fat & clean. Toss with seasonings, sauces, garlic, onion, peppers and 1 tbsp thyme. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. 2️⃣ Heat oil in a Dutch oven, add brown sugar, then brown oxtails without burning the sugar. Set aside. 3️⃣ Cook reserved veggies briefly. Add broth, scraping the bottom, then return meat and remaining marinade. Add bay leaves and thyme sprigs. 4️⃣ Cover and braise at 300°F for about 4–5 hours, until fork-tender. Start checking at 3 hours; add broth if needed. 5️⃣ Uncover for the last 20–30 minutes to thicken gravy. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. MAC DIRECTIONS 1️⃣ Boil pasta just shy of al dente; drain. 2️⃣ Melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour; cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir until slightly thickened, then add seasonings. 3️⃣ Remove from heat; let bubbling stop. Add cheese a small handful at a time, stirring smooth before adding more. Use brief LOW heat only if needed—never simmer or boil the cheese sauce! 4️⃣ Taste for salt, fold in pasta and transfer to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and paprika if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, just until the top melts. Avoid overbaking. Serve with rice and mac!!