Recipe of the Week

I made this week's recipe for a dinner party we hosted recently. It was a huge hit and my first attempt at homemade Mac & Cheese. We loved it and had plenty of leftovers. If anyone has a homemade Mac & Cheese recipe that they love, please share it so I can try it out!

Smokin' Mac & Cheese

Courtesy of: Southern Living

Ingredients:

1 lb. box uncooked macaroni pasta

2 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. flour

1 c. milk

12 oz. can evaporated milk

2 c. shredded smoked (or regular) Gouda cheese

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground red pepper, divided

1/2 package cooked bacon, crumbled

2 c. cornflakes, crushed

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350º.

2. Cook macaroni as directed on package. Transfer to large bowl.

3. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.

4. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly for one minute.

5. Gradually whisk in milk and evaporated milk; cook, whisking constantly 3-6 minutes or until thickened.

6. Whisk in Gouda, cream cheese, salt, and 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper until smooth.

7. Remove from heat and stir in bacon.

8. Combine pasta and Gouda cheese mixture and pour into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish.

9. Stir together 2 c. crushed cereal, 2 Tbsp. melted butter and remaining 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper. Sprinkle over pasta.

10. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 mins before serving.

11. ENJOY!

*I use low-fat/low-calorie options whenever possible, i.e. 1% milk, 1/3 fat cream cheese, low sodium bacon, etc.