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Smoked Chicken Hearts with Mac and Cheese

Smoked Chicken Hearts with Mac and Cheese

This smoked chicken hearts with mac and cheese recipe delivers the best of both worlds—comfort and adventure. The chicken hearts turn tender and smoky after a long, low cook, soaking up a garlicky, tangy marinade and a hit of Spicy Pluck seasoning. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy but secretly boosted with cauliflower puree for extra nutrients. Perfect for introducing friends to offal in a totally approachable way, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prep time

10 min

Cook time

90 min

Servings

4

Category

Main Course

Ingredients

FOR THE MEAT

  • 1-2 lb Chicken Hearts (organic is preferred)
  • 2 tsp Southwest Pluck
  • 1/3 cup liquid aminos
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp minced garlic (depending on preference)


FOR THE PASTA

  • 2 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 cup cauliflower florets
  • 2 cup raw cheese (cheddar or other blends)
  • 1/2 cup raw (or whole) milk
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp bone marrow butter (or regular butter)
  • 1 tsp Southwest Pluck
  • Cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • Pink Himalayan Salt (to taste)

Directions

Step 1 (Protein)

Clean your hearts by trimming excess fat and any remaining ventricles. Slice in half long-ways.

Step 2

Mix together the liquid aminos, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire and garlic.

Step 3

Marinade your chicken hearts for a minimum of 2 hours (I usually let mine sit in the fridge overnight).

Step 4

Preheat smoker to 225°F.

Step 5

Slide your hearts onto metal skewers and coat them with Pluck.

Step 6

Place skewers on the smoker and let cook for 90 minutes.

Step 1 (Pasta)

Bring 2 cups of chopped cauliflower florets to boiling and let cook till soft.

Step 2

Drain, and blend into a puree.

Step 3

Shred 2 cups of raw cheese of your choice.

Step 4

In a large pot, slowly bring cheese, milk, garlic, Spicy pluck, and pureed cauliflower to melt.

Step 5

Mix together and add salt & pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add in 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni.

Step 7

Top with smoked hearts, extra shredded cheese, and any additional spices. Enjoy!

TIP: Start cooking your mac with about 20 minutes left on the smoker and your hearts will be ready right when your mac is done.

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