Mac 'n Cheese Bites

Boil pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just cooked through, 4 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, and then drain macaroni in a colander. Return to pot and mix in the cheese, 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and chives.

Heat 1/4 inch olive or vegetable oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Form cakes by filling a 1/4 cup measuring cup, then inverting it into oil, flattening cake slightly if necessary. Cook cakes, 4 at a time, until crisp, about 1 minute per side, and drain on paper towels.