Lightning Bolt Cheese Bites Food

LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE BITES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the flour and cook until bubbling, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and 2 teaspoons salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened and the flour taste is gone, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mascarpone until melted and smooth. Fold in the macaroni, lobster and chopped tarragon.
• Put the Muenster and Gruyere in a large bowl. Add the macaroni mixture and fold until just combined. Spread the mixture evenly over a quarter baking sheet and freeze until just solid, about 1 hour.
• Set up a breading station with 3 shallow dishes: Mix 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1 cup flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs and 1 teaspoon salt in the second dish and add the breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon salt to the third dish.
• Cut the chilled macaroni mixture into 1-inch squares with a paring knife. Coat each square in the flour, then dip in the egg, letting any excess drip off. Press into the breadcrumbs and transfer to a baking sheet. Freeze for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with 2 inches of oil and set over medium-high heat. Heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Fry the breaded macaroni squares in batches until golden brown on the outside and hot in the middle, about 2 minutes. Bring the oil temperature back up between batches.
• After the last batch, bring the oil temperature back up again. Add the tarragon leaves, parsley and chives in 1/4-cup batches to the hot oil and fry until the water is released and the herbs are no longer bubbling, about 30 seconds. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
• Put the lemon zest and remaining 8 tablespoons butter in a small saute pan and heat until melted and foamy.
• Drizzle the mac and cheese squares with the lemon butter and sprinkle with the fried herbs. Serve with lemon wedges.

STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI BITES

Steps:

• Stir the rum and lime juice together in a large measuring cup. Poke the strawberries all over with a toothpick. Nestle them stem-side up in a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, wedging them together as much as possible so they stand upright. Pour the rum mixture over the top and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to overnight.
• Drain the rum mixture and save to turn into a beverage (see Cook's Note). Put the sugar on a plate and roll the strawberries in it to coat. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.

BUCKY BITES

Steps:

• Toss 1 pound cheese curds with 1 tablespoon flour; set aside. Whisk 1 cup each flour and lager with 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Working in small batches, dip the curds in the batter using a slotted spoon; let the excess drip off, then deep-fry in 1 inch of 375 degrees F vegetable oil until golden, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Mix cup mayonnaise with 1 grated small garlic clove; serve with the fried cheese curds.