Small Plates: Mac ‘n cheese for all; Chex Party Mix for fall
DINING OUT
MAC SHACK, 8975 W. CHARLESTON BLVD. (ALSO AT 8680 W. WARM SPRINGS ROAD)
The new location of Mac Shack opened last week, joining the original restaurant that opened in 2010. Co-owner Frank Masi, who has partnered in the business with J. Dapper since 2012, said the clientele covers a broad demographic. “It’s such a mix,” Masi said. “We have from people in their 20s to people in their 70s. We’re a very kid-friendly restaurant, so we also do attract a lot of families.” Along with regular pasta, Mac Shack serves whole-wheat and gluten-free cuts with various sauces. “We’ve started getting really into salads as well,” he said. “We have about 10 salads, a whole area designated for salads and grilled cheeses.” A kids’ menu also is available. Here’s a sample of the menu:
Soups, salads and sides: chicken noodle soup, $3.95; sweet corn soup, $3.95; mushroom soup, $3.95; green salad, $5.50; Caesar salad, $6.50; barbecue chicken salad, $9.95; antipasto salad, $9.95; cauliflower gratin, $3.50; artichoke gratin, $4
Pastas and grilled cheeses: make your own, $7 for pasta and sauce, $1.75 for meats, 50 cents for other additional items; Pomodoro Fresco, $7.50; baked rigatoni, $8.50; shrimp scampi, $9.95; cheddar mac, $7.50; Asiago blue mac, $8.50; Philly cheesesteak mac, $9.95; grilled mac and cheese, $4.95; grilled PB&J, $4.95; grilled caprese, $5.95.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 702-243-1722 (702-463-2433 for Warm Springs location) or visit www.MacaroniShack.com.
FROM THE INBOX
Chex Party Mix, either homemade or store-bought, is one of those classics that seems to endure over the decades, but the creative minds at Chex sure aren’t resting on their laurels; visit www.Chex.com and you can find recipes for an almost unimaginable list of variations. Chai Crunch, anyone? Chex Bananas Foster Crunch Mix? Red Velvet Chex Party Mix? We’ve included a Halloween Chex Mix in the Halloween-treats story elsewhere on this section; here’s another seasonal recipe.
CHEX PUMPKIN PIE CRUNCH
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
8 ounces pecans
In a small bowl, microwave brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In a small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on high for about 30 seconds, or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwaveable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated.
Microwave uncovered on high 5 minutes, or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight container.
Makes about 8 cups.
— Recipe from Chex
— Heidi Knapp Rinella
