This November, taste your way through Old Mission Peninsula during the annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off! Spend the day with family and friends touring the rolling hills and stunning views as the OMP Wine Trail Wineries once again partner with local chefs for a favorite wine and food pairing event that’s perfect for cheese lovers on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-5pm.
The Mac & Cheese Bake-off pairs the exquisite wines of Old Mission Peninsula with deliciously unique macaroni and cheese recipes from local chefs partnered with each of the ten OMP Wine Trail wineries. Each dish will be expertly paired with an Old Mission Peninsula wine from the partner winery along with special wine features, discounts, and more. Event goers are in control of the competition—each given the important task to vote for their favorites: best pairing, cheesiest dish, and best overall. Winners will receive their rightful place in history as winners of the 2024 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off.
Arriving on the heels of Thanksgiving, this annual event lets you break the monotony of leftovers to indulge in a classic, cheesy, comfort food. “Our favorite part is the creativity that the chefs show in their interpretations of macaroni and cheese, and how each pairs with the wine,” comments Caitlin Hammond, Director of Operations at Peninsula Cellars. “We love showcasing Traverse City’s great culinary talent and feel so lucky that local families and friends continue to make our wineries a part of their holiday traditions.” Tickets for the 2024 Great Mac & Cheese Bake-Off are now available. This is a sell-out event with a limited number of tickets available.
Tickets include a souvenir glass in addition to food and wine pairings. New this year, attendees can purchase the Noodle Fanatic Package to receive macaroni merchandise along with their ticket! Designated Driver tickets are also available for purchase. (DD ticket holders do not receive a souvenir glass, but tickets do include food and non-alcoholic beverages.)
Participating wineries include 2 Lads, Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars, Mari Vineyards, and Tabone Vineyards.
For additional information and to purchase tickets visit ompwinetrail.com/wine-trail-events/
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, a collection of ten distinct wineries, is an unparalleled experience on the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City, Michigan. Stretching 19 miles into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is only four miles wide at its broadest point. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well.
For your enjoyment, here’s a winning recipe and wine pairing from the past.
Winner: Best Pairing
Smokehouse Mac Shack Taco Mac & Cheese with Mari Vineyards 2016
Scriptorium Riesling
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1/2 chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups of your favorite noodles
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Taco seasoning
- Scallions & sour cream for garnish
Instructions
Add chopped onion to oil in a skillet. Cook until translucent.
Add ground beef and taco seasoning and cook through, and drain of oil and set aside.
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a new pan, add butter, flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Add cheddar cheese. Add heavy cream
until sauce is creamy.
Add noodles to cheese sauce & stir.
On a plate, layer corn chips. Add 1/3 cup of Mac & cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of ground beef.
Top with chopped lettuce, tomato, and scallions.
Add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy.
