Recipe: Poogan's Porch Country Ham and Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

I have eaten at Poogan’s Porch, one of the oldest (1976) and most respected restaurants in Charleston, many for years. We’ve enjoyed every meal from a casual Sunday lunch to special romantic occasions and festive dinners with friends. It is one of my favorite restaurants.

The restaurant’s owners loved their dog Poogan, a good ol’, down-home, Southern porch dog and named the restaurant after him. Poogan presided over the renovation process and greeted the first customers.

Tucked away on quiet Queen St., in the very heart of Charleston’s French Quarter the charming old residence turned restaurant provides a homey ambiance to accompany great upscale low-country fare.  To my delight Travis McMaster, the General Manager of Poogan’s porch has agreed to share their recipe for Country Ham and Smoked Gouda Mac appetizer.  I love this dish for an appetizer but would have a hard time picking a favorite entrée item on their innovative menu. I love the Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops with Apple-wood smoked bacon grits, wilted spinach, crawfish buerre blanc. I drool over the thought of the Roasted Duck Breast with Tomato rosemary gastrique, white cheddar potato cake, spicy broccolini.  Just take a look at the menu!

Poogan’s Porch is a favorite of well-known celebrities, politicians, tourists and locals who rave about this Southern institution.  Not only has Poogan’s  Porch been recognized by Martha Stewart Living and the Travel Channel, they have won numerous awards including   Open Table's Diners Choice List Winner 2010  and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Delightfully easy recipe below:

Poogan's Porch Country Ham and Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

1/4  cup chopped country ham
1 cup heavy cream
1/2  cup shredded smoked gouda
1 ½ cup cooked elbow macaroni
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat
2. Add chopped country ham and render about  2 minutes
3. Add heavy cream and reduce by half.
4. Add shredded smoked gouda cheese and heat until melted.
5. Add cooked macaroni and heat through
6. Salt and pepper to taste.

Liz

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