Epic Mac N’ Cheese winners whip up recipe for Channel 12

Future culinary students Johanna Buttle and Tamara Pantaleo returned to the kitchens of Durham College’s (DC)’s Centre for Food (CFF) to recreate their winning mac n’ cheese recipe for Channel 12 News last Thursday. 

During the first Epic Mac N’ Cheese competition in April, Buttle and Pantaleo created a spicy mac n’ cheese that made mouths water and earned the duo the top spot. 

“The competition helped decide my post-secondary path,” said Buttle who learned how to cook from her grandfather. “Winning proves that I can succeed with a future in culinary arts.” 

The segment aired Thursday, May 28 in Durham, Peterborough and the Kawarthas, highlighting Pantaleo and Buttle’s winning mac n’ cheese dish. The recipe was made with locally-sourced ingredients such as a variety of cheeses, sausage, herbs and spices. 

“I’m proud of the recipe. I love it,” said Pantaleo in her interview with Channel 12. “It’s not what I typically enjoy, but this makes me like it. The dish is not overwhelmingly spicy, but it’s enough to enjoy.” 

Pantaleo will be attending DC this fall, and Buttle in September 2016, to hone their culinary skills.