2 minute read
Eat This Now
Eat This Now
BAKED MAC & CHEESE
By Sarah Sipple
Cliff’s Taphouse
3044 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
Winter can bring out a range of feelings, and comfort food is something we turn to in both celebration and loneliness. Cliff’s Taphouse in Martini Corner is there for you whether you need a welcoming space to dine alone or a reliable spot to bring a group. From the cozy covered patio to the friendly staff, this is a place where you feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.
Baked macaroni and cheese is a dish that many people find comforting or nostalgic. While there are differing opinions on the best recipe, the one that you don’t have to make yourself is often appreciated.
Cliff’s Taphouse uses a generous portion of penne held together with three cheeses—cheddar, parmesan, and Monterrey jack—and then tops it with toasted garlic breadcrumbs. This is on the lighter side of comparable dishes—not goopy or dripping with unnatural orange “cheese product.” The parmesan adds a noticeable depth.
Opting for buffalo chicken on top adds some filling protein and a nice variance of texture. The buffalo chicken is not overly sauced or spicy but brings a slight tang to the creamy pasta.
To round out a comfort-food meal, try starting with the Jalapeño Corn Chowder. The soup is warm with a true, natural jalapeño heat and uniformly diced corn and potatoes. It is creamy, hearty, and very popular. If I get sick, this is the first thing I will have delivered.
As a finisher, the chocolate cake from Overland Park’s Golden Boy Pies and Cakes is a fantastically classic dessert, boasting a balance between sweet and dark chocolate as well as moist and lightweight. Trust me, you’ll make room in your “dessert stomach” for this.
Consider yourself comforted, at least for a few warm moments.
