If you are looking for a healthy, waistline-friendly macaroni and cheese or baked pasta recipe, STOP READING THIS and check out my Lightened Up Baked Mac and Cheese, my Butternut Squash Cheeseless Mac and Cheese, or my Easiest Baked Pasta Ever.
If, however, you're looking for something that is rich and delicious and company-worthy, then get out your frying pan and your bacon and I promise you won't be disappointed!
Simply melt your butter.
Whisk in flour.
Until it looks like this:
Add the whiskey.
Whisk in the milk.
Stir in cheese until melted.
Stir in Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
Pour over cooked pasta.
Add bacon.
Combine and enjoy.
Ingredients:
10-12 slices of bacon (I like the thick-cut), cooked as desired
1 box macaroni pasta
2 Tbsp, butter
1/3 cup flour
1.5 oz. Irish Whiskey
2 cups milk (I used skim, but feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge)
3 cups cubed cheddar cheese (I use a combination of old and medium)
2-3 drops Tabasco (to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a sauce pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
Add flour, and whisk until combined.
Add whiskey and milk and continue to whisk until sauce heats and begins to bubble.
Add cheese and stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
Add salt, pepper, and Tabasco to taste.
Pour sauce over pasta, toss in the bacon, and stir until completely combined.
Looking for some of my other favourite recipes with bacon? Check out my Cheddar and Ale Soup, my Copycat Wedge Salad, my super easy Stuffed Mushrooms, my Can-I-Please-Have-That-Recipe Breakfast Muffins, and my Bacon Wrapped Whiskey Chicken.
Do you remember the days when Valentine's Day was filled with a new dress, styled hair, a fancy dinner, roses, and something that came in a tiny box? No??? Actually, neither do I! I've been a mom for so long, I honestly can't even remember if I ever celebrated a Valentine's Day the way they do in the movies. Instead, I find myself staying up late on February 13th putting finishing touches on three classrooms-worth of Valentines, then wondering what the heck I am going to do when my kids ask in the morning what Mommy has planned for a special Valentine's Day dinner that night.
And by "special," they mean something that can be thrown together after a hectic day at work and inhaled before rushing off to dance, hockey, or Taekwondo.
If you're like me, and happy to call an end to the Valentine's Day celebrations when you successfully send your kids out the door with their class valentines in hand, then this easy peasy heart-shaped cake you can make the night before, or even when you get home from work, will make you look like a Valentine's Day Mom superhero.
Simply mix your favourite cake mix according to package directions and pour half into a circular pan and half into a square pan.
Once cooled, if you happen to have a cake saw (I don't actually know the technical term, but you can get them in the cake decorating aisle of your local craft store), even out the tops of your cakes. If you don't happen to have a cake saw, just use a bread cutting knife to even out any lumps and bumps, so both cake sheets are reasonably at the same level.
Then cut your circle cake in half and shape the edges, if required.
Then place one half on either side of the square cake, like so.
Now, ice and decorate as desired. We use regular store-bought vanilla icing with a few drops of red food colouring to make pink icing.
Then I let the kids decorate with sprinkles.
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
PS: For more great Valentine's Day treat ideas, check out my Mini Apple Heart Pies, my Rice Krispies Heart Pops, and my No-Bake Rice Krispies Mini Cupcakes.
Whether you embrace the romance of or refuse to partake in forced declarations of love, our Valentine’s Day page is filled with articles, crafts, activities, and food to fit your mood.
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