Celebrate Macaroni Day Without the Cheese

Each year on July 7th, we say Hoorah It’s Macaroni Day! Okay, so maybe not everyone gets excited about Macaroni Day, but some do. Have you ever asked yourself what is Macaroni?

While many people think the shape of the pasta gives Macaroni its funny name, it’s really the dough used to create the noodles that gives it the names. Macaroni noodles are formed into shells, spirals, straight straws and many other shapes. The dough is made with durum wheat, which typically does not contain eggs. This dough is then transformed into elongated pasta that is then cut in short lengths, and often curved or bent. It is the durum dough that makes Macaroni Macaroni. Here in America, Elbow Macaroni is top on our list.

The beauty of Macaroni is that dishes made with Macaroni tend to be those that are made in advance, so it’s less stressful. Macaroni is filling, so it’s a great way to stretch the food budget. Serve it hot, serve it cold, let it travel – Macaroni will conform to your every whim.

Today is also Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day. The day was designed to promote the importance of father-daughter relationships. Walking together is the perfect time to talk, to enjoy the beauty of the day, and create memories that will stay with you forever. As long as we’re taking a stroll with Pops, why not turn the walk into a picnic? And what’s awesome on a picnic? Macaroni Salad, of course!

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Enjoy!

Southern Style Macaroni Salad
5 Hard-boiled Eggs, diced
16 oz Elbow Macaroni
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Celery Ribs
1 Red Onion
3/4 cup Sweet Pickle Relish
1 cup Mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Mustard
1 tablespoon Sugar
Kosher Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Paprika for color
Fresh Parsley for garnish

Place eggs in a saucepot, cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let eggs steep for 15 minutes.

Lightly crack shells, plunge eggs into a bath of ice water and let cool for 20 minutes.

Carefully peel eggs under cold running water. Pat dry, dice and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, cook al dente, about 7 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Drain, rinse pasta with cool water and allow to cool.

While pasta is cooling, dice the onion, bell pepper and celery.  Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard and sugar to create the dressing.  Set aside.

Once the macaroni has completely cooled, toss in a large bowl with vegetables, eggs and sweet relish.  Gently fold in the mayonnaise dressing.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Smooth top of the salad. Sprinkle with paprika for that splash of color. Chop parsley, scatter lightly over the salad for a garnish.

Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blossom. Serve and enjoy alongside your favorite summertime foods.