Bacon Mac

I was supposed to make this but D was home so he did. Still I think I could have done it. It required a few pots and pans, as witnessed when I cleaned the dishes.

We only have Ass Blaster, and a teaspoon of it was definitely evident. As was the green onion taste. Pretty much you could taste all the things you were supposed to. We both really liked it. The only complaint...serving size was way too small. We filled up on romaine lettuce.

Bacon Mac

3 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
12 ounces strozzapreti or penne pasta
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk, divided
2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cooking spray

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.

3. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155°. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss. Spoon into a 2-quart broiler-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil 7 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

CALORIES 399 ; FAT 13.8g (sat 8.5g,mono 4g,poly 0.8g); CHOLESTEROL 44mg; CALCIUM 358mg; CARBOHYDRATE 48.7g; SODIUM 544mg; PROTEIN 20g; FIBER 2g; IRON 2.1mg

Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2009