Shopping For Cheese: 1 1/4 Lb Of American Cheese

American cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to create a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a hearty macaroni and cheese, or add a creamy twist to your meatloaf, having a block of American cheese in your kitchen can elevate your cooking. While the quality of American cheese can vary, with brands like Land O Lakes and Boars Head offering a higher-end product, it's generally known for its creamy and smooth texture, as well as its ability to melt easily. If you're looking to get your hands on 1 1/4 pounds of this cheesy goodness, you can explore options like Wilson's Cheese Shoppe, Shaw Farm, or even online retailers, offering sliced or unsliced varieties to suit your needs.

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Horizon Organic American Cheese Slices, 8 oz. Pack, 12 Slices

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Freeze it

Freezing is a great way to preserve American cheese. It can be frozen for up to 6-9 months, and it's best to cut the cheese into blocks that are smaller than 1 pound each before freezing. This will make it easier to manage and ensure even freezing and thawing.

First, cut the cheese into blocks or slices. If you plan to use the cheese in cooked dishes, you can grate it before freezing. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment paper, ensuring an airtight seal. You can also use aluminium foil, but it's best to have a layer of paper directly around the cheese to protect it from the freezer air. Then, place the wrapped cheese into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and seal it tightly.

Label the package with the type of cheese, the original expiration date, and the date you packaged and froze it. This will help you keep track of how long it has been frozen and when it should be used by.

Finally, place the cheese in the freezer. It is best to freeze rapidly to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent large ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture of the cheese.

When you are ready to use the cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. It is recommended to allow 7-8 hours of thawing time per pound of cheese. Keep in mind that freezing affects the texture and quality of cheese, making it drier, crumbly, and less meltable.

Make mac and cheese

To make mac and cheese, you'll need a few staple ingredients, including pasta, cheese, milk, and butter. You can also add spices like mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

First, cook the pasta in a small volume of water with a pinch of salt. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven or on the stovetop. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Next, make the cheese sauce. Start by melting butter in a large pot and sprinkling in flour. Whisk this mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. This mixture is called a roux and is the basis for a creamy sauce. Then, slowly whisk in milk, starting with a small amount to create a paste and then gradually adding more until you've added around 2.5 cups. You can use evaporated milk, whole milk, or a lower-fat option. Add dry mustard and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

At this point, you'll want to temper the eggs. Take about a quarter cup of the sauce and slowly whisk it into a beaten egg, being careful not to cook the egg. Then, pour this mixture back into the sauce, whisking constantly.

Now, it's time to add the cheese! Grate your desired amount of cheese—around 1 1/4 pounds should be plenty—and slowly stir it into the sauce until it's melted and creamy. You can use American cheese, cheddar, Fontina, Gruyère, Jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some diced poblano pepper, red bell pepper, onion, tomato, or green chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Finally, combine the pasta and sauce. You can either stir everything together in a pot on the stovetop or layer it in a baking dish and sprinkle the top with extra cheese and paprika. If baking, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the mac and cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 10-20 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, simply heat through and serve.

And that's it! You've now made a delicious, creamy mac and cheese that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Make a meatloaf

To make a meatloaf with 1 1/4 lb of American cheese, you can follow this recipe:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat some olive oil over medium heat and add diced onions. Cook until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. Once softened, add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and scrape the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly.

Next, add ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, an egg, and salt and pepper to the bowl. You can also add other seasonings or herbs of your choice. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Now, it's time to add the cheese! You can use shredded or cubed American cheese. Create a hollow line in the middle of the meat mixture and add your cheese. You can also mix in some other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for extra flavour. Cover the cheese back up with the meat mixture.

Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. You can also use BBQ sauce or another type of sauce if you prefer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the inside of the meatloaf reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

This meatloaf recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a comforting family dinner. You can serve it with baked potatoes or garlic butter noodles on the side. Enjoy!

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Make grilled cheese sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, easy-to-make meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients

You will need sliced sandwich bread, butter or mayonnaise, and grated cheese. For the cheese, a mild flavour is best, and it should melt easily. You can use a single type of cheese or blend a few together. If you blend them, use about 30% of an expensive, flavourful cheese and 70% of a cheaper, milder cheese. Grated cheese melts more evenly and allows for better coverage on the bread.

Preparation

Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Some people prefer mayonnaise as it gives a golden-brown crust that is less likely to burn. You can also toast the bread in a toaster on bagel mode and then put the toasted sides facing inward when making the sandwich. This adds a nice crunch.

Place the slices of bread, buttered/mayo side down, in a cold skillet or on a baking sheet. You can also put the sandwich in a waffle iron for a fun twist. Put the cheese on top of the bread. If you are making multiple sandwiches, you can use the oven to keep them warm.

Cooking

Cook on low heat. Keep an eye on the sandwich and flip it before the bottom blackens. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When you are happy with the colour of the crust, turn off the burner and place the sandwich on a plate. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Serving

Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato soup, and you can add extras such as thinly sliced red onion, caramelised red shallots, garlic, or apple dice. Bon appétit!

Mix with beans, chilis, onions, tomatoes, and Mexican chorizo

If you're looking to mix beans, chilis, onions, tomatoes, and Mexican chorizo with 1 1/4 lb of American cheese, you could consider making a one-pot chorizo chili. This hearty meal combines beans, beef, and Mexican chorizo in a tomato-based broth.

To make this dish, start by mixing ground beef with Mexican chorizo, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add onions and bell peppers. Cook until tender, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Combine the cooked beef and chorizo mixture with the vegetables, then add black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chili reaches your desired consistency.

You can customize this recipe by using different types of beans, such as kidney beans or hominy, or adding additional ingredients like avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños. If you're looking for a spicier dish, try using a variety of chile powders or adding smoked paprika and chipotle.

When serving, top the chili with shredded American cheese to incorporate the full 1 1/4 lb into the dish. This comforting meal is perfect for sharing with others, and any leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment.

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