Gypsy's Trattoria Italiana Godfather's Favorite Pasta

This one is for my Cal people and anyone who has been to Gypsy's Trattoria Italiano in the Asian Ghetto.

For those of you who have no clue about the Ghetto, it is a food court of low cost college food that caters to the students of South side. While the quality isn't the best, it's open late, has a wide variety of food and is just part of the Cal college experience.

At Gypsy's, I only ever get one thing: the Godfather's Favorite. Now that I am out of school, I cant just pop over to Gypsy's when the craving happens. Well last week I was in the mood and decided to recreate my favorite dish.

While the recipe was not an exact copy-cat, it worked out well and definitely hit the spot.

Ashley's Baked Macaroni & Cheese

I want to make no bones about this dish, this is not my recipe as if the title wasn't clear enough. I was given this recipe by Ashley and told to make it. So I did. I know my place.

Recently, Mike and I were having a conversation about macaroni and cheese and how difficult it actually is to make because there are so many permutations and it is one of those comfort foods where you like it your way and that's it.

Period.

End of story.

Something could be cooked by the ten best chefs in the world and it wont be like Grandma's Mac & Cheese. With that caveat in mind, the recipe below is a baked macaroni and cheese, highlighting Sharp Cheddar and Gruyère, with a small kick to give it some attitude.