Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 lb penne pasta
3 large slices of bacon, unsmoked and chopped
4 cups milk
4 tbsp butter, unsalted
6 tbsp flour, unbleached
12 oz cheese, grated
½ tsp Paprika
Salt & Pepper

Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook penne pasta until tender, drain and set aside.

In a skillet, sauté the bacon pieces and onions until onions are cooked and bacon is crispy. Set aside.

In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and quickly take off the heat. Set side.

Melt the butter in separate saucepan, add flour and whisk for about 5 minutes over very low heat. Then pour the hot milk into the flour mixture and whisk again. Season with salt and pepper as well as paprika.

Simmer the milk and flour mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes.  The mixture should start to thicken.  When it is thick enough add the bacon, onions, and penne pasta and coat well.  Remove from heat.

Fill a baking dish (13x9x12inch) with the mixture and cover with the grated cheese. Season again if needed. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes and afterwards, place under a broiler for a few minutes until the top is nicely browned.

Enjoy this delicious meal with a tossed green salad!