Rich Bacon Mac and Cheese au Gratin

Makes 4 creamy servings of comfort food goodness!

2 strips bacon, cooked to semi-crisp and crumbled
2 cups penne, cooked and drained

1 1/2 tbsps butter
1 1/2 tbsps flour
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp cayenne 
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsps bread crumbs, I used Panko
2 tbsps parmesan
1 tbsp butter

Once the bacon is cooked, drain it on a paper towel then crumble and set aside.
Cook and drain the pasta, setting aside to cool.

Melt butter in  saucepan and add the flour. Whisk in the cream and cook over medium heat until it starts to thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon.

You can use table cream if you want it a little less rich. Stir in the dry mustard, cayenne, salt and pepper and finally fold in the shredded cheese and the pasta. Give it a taste test and if your seasonings are good then spray ramekins or a baking dish with cooking oil and spoon in the pasta.

Melt butter and mix with panko and parmesan. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the pasta and top that with the bread crumbs. 

Ready for the oven

Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes

Then.....stick a fork in it!