Wine and Dine with a Sophisticated Twist on a Family Favorite

18/05/07 The cheesy flavor of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been a family favorite for years, but just like you, taste buds grow up. Now adults can enjoy the mac and cheese that they've always loved, but with premium taste and ingredients created for the sophisticated adult palate.

Introducing Kraft Bistro Deluxe, a new premium line of mac and cheese featuring fine ingredients such as sundried tomatoes, Portobello mushrooms and Asiago cheese, that helps adults bring the bistro experience home with the twist of unique flavors. And to help bring a real bistro feel to the kitchen table, Kraft is putting a new spin on the classic combo of wine and cheese ... wine and mac and cheese that is! By pairing wines with the more grown-up flavors found in Kraft Bistro Deluxe pastas, adults can create a memorable meal in minutes right in their own kitchens.

"Pairing the food you love with the perfect glass of wine makes any meal gratifying," said wine specialist and award-winning author Leslie Sbrocco. "Kraft Bistro Deluxe appeals to adults who've always loved to eat mac and cheese with their kids, but now want a more sophisticated meal they can savor with a glass of wine," she added. According to Sbrocco, the richness of the creamy sauce in the new Sundried Tomato Parmesan variety is perfect with a similarly-styled wine such as a buttery, oaky Chardonnay.

Leslie Sbrocco's Rules of Pairing Food and Wine

Sbrocco says, "The only rule when pairing food and wine is that there are no rules. There are, however, guidelines that help make the combination of food and wine reach new heights." Following are some of Sbrocco's top tips:

-- It's not the outdated mantra of red wine with meat and white wine with fish. It's about the weight of the food and wine in your mouth.
-- Try pairing creamy macaroni and cheese like Kraft Bistro Deluxe Classic Cheddar with a smooth, creamy white wine or a supple, fruity California Merlot such as Fetzer Valley Oaks.
-- Go for contrast and serve a tangy wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to slice through the richness of dishes like scallops, pizza or macaroni and cheese.

Grown-up Flavors

All four varieties of Kraft Bistro Deluxe are made with premium Kraft cheeses and pastas made with a blend of durum wheat and whole grain. Each variety makes the perfect one-of-a-kind side dish or main entrée.

"Consumers are increasingly interested in experimenting with new foods at home, especially as they try new flavors at restaurants and during their travels," said Erica Hammack, Sr. Brand Manager, New Product Development. "Kraft Bistro Deluxe, featuring premium ingredients, is the perfect fit for consumers looking for a sophisticated twist on a family favorite -- all from a brand they know and trust!"

Available in premium, easy open, 10 oz. pouches, Kraft Bistro Deluxe pastas include:

-- Sundried Tomato Parmesan:  Penne pasta with sundried tomatoes and Basil in a cheese sauce
-- Creamy Portobello Mushroom: Cavatappi pasta with Portobello mushrooms in a creamy three cheese sauce of Parmesan, Romano and Monterey Jack cheeses
-- Classic Cheddar: Elbow pasta in a premium Cheddar cheese sauce
-- Three Cheese Italiano: Elbow pasta in a Parmesan, Romano and Asiago cheese sauce

All Kraft Bistro Deluxe pastas are a good source of whole grain and are made with premium Kraft cheese, an excellent source of calcium. Each serving takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and serves two to three people.