This one is double-trouble! Yes, we heard everyone who asked for comforting dishes like macaroni and cheese and anything with bacon! So, no looking at the scales when you enjoy our Double Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese, just enjoy the splurge factor if you can!
- 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed Cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups milk
- 6 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, with 1 cup reserved for garnish
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled, with 1/4 cup reserved for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and place back in pot. Stir in soup, milk, cheese, butter, bacon, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese, bacon, and scallions.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!
Early History
When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.
In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.
Revolution
Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.
Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.
While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.
Industry and Innovation
During and after the war, New Jersey industry grew. Rapidly, innovation and technology took place in New Jersey. One well-known innovator found a home in Menlo Park. There, Thomas Edison nourished his ingenuity.
While industry and innovation grew, so did the state’s population. Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.
While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
New Jersey Flavor
While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.
During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.
Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.
Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage. Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.
Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.
Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.