Fiery red spirals, surrounded by flames and a seriously sassy Chester Cheetah, lured me to the macaroni and cheese aisle like a Ouija board at a slumber party. Would I be opening doors I couldn’t close? Did I need to buy a box of Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Macaroni Cheese? The more I looked at the box, the more I burned to know how hot was hot. OR: I could have just been having another hot flash. In any case, I went home with a box of the stuff and showed Nate, who just shrugged his shoulders because he expects this kind of behavior from me and sometimes participates in it.
I followed the instructions on the box and served the macaroni and cheese on a tiny, tiny plate shaped and painted like a quaint countryside mushroom as one does in this situation. Mostly, I thought I should start out with a small amount, just in case—and the mushroom plate was the perfect size.
The macaroni and cheese tasted pretty good, actually. There was a delightful spicy kick at the end, and I still detected notes of the characteristic cheese powder I love and know from the “normal” rather than bewitched Kraft Macaroni and Cheese brand.
Nate also took a stab at it and said he really liked this version. So we ate more and more and more and that was enough. I ended up with some mild heartburn, but I don’t think it was because of the spice. It might have been the salt. Or hot flashes.
The only other side effect I’ve experienced is a desire to find more themed plates/bowls I could serve this macaroni and cheese on. Here are some ideas so far:
- Flames
- The witch’s house from Hansel and Gretel
- A coffin from which ghost peppers emerge
- A giant monster hand that opens and closes every time a fork comes near it
Your Turn: What’s something new you’ve tried lately?
Fixin' Leaks and Leeks 