KRAFT SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook macaroni as directed on package. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook on medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese; cook and stir 5 min. or until melted.
• Drain macaroni. Add to sauce with bacon; mix lightly. Spoon into 1 1/2 quart casserole; top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Steps:

• Toast pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove pecans from skillet to cool. Set aside a few tablespoons to garnish the cheese ring before serving if desired.
• Shred cheese then add to a large mixing bowl. Add grated onion, mayo, cayenne pepper and toasted pecans then mix until thoroughly incorporated.
• Spoon cheese mixture onto a serving plate then shape into a ring. This isn’t as hard as it sounds – I easily shape mine using a rubber spatula. Cover with plastic wrap then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Remove cheese ring from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, sprinkle reserved pecans on top of ring then spoon strawberry preserves into the center of the ring. Serve with crackers.