Taka's Famous Mac n' Cheese

          This recipe was created by my lovable friend Taka. Though from Japan, Taka attended college in the U.S. where he revolutionized that quick and classic American meal: boxed Mac n’ Cheese. Taka’s Famous Mac n’ Cheese transforms the basic box of mac into an Asian-American culinary fusion that is affordable, cravable, and has a little more zing than your average bowl of noodles with powdered cheddar.

          To make Taka’s Famous Mac n’ Cheese, you’ll need to purchase just three basic ingredients. In fact, it’s possible you already have them sitting in your pantry.

One box of your favorite brand Mac n’ Cheese

(you’ll likely need milk and butter too if you’re a purist, and adding in a spoonful of cream cheese to the mix creates an extra-creamy dish, but those counting calories can just mix in the cheese with water. However, if you are counting calories, boxed Mac n’ Cheese might be heading down the wrong path altogether)

Soy sauce

Toasted sesame oil

First, cook the mac and stir in the cheese according to the box’s specifications. Transfer your Mac n’ Cheese to a bowl and drizzle in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, in equal portions, to your taste. It’s that simple.
          For an even more dressed up mac recipe, as shown in the photographs, add one can of tuna, chopped scallions, and sliced avocado. Note: the tuna should be added to the pot of cooked pasta at the same time as the powdered cheese in order to warm it. The combinations and variations are endless.