Hello, Hello! It's been so very long since I blogged here and I do hope to change that. There have been many exciting changes around the farm and I want to start documenting the deeper stories for you all. You can follow snippets on my Facebook page at https://www.faceboook.com/lovelandacresfarm but there is so much more I know I long to share like this fabulous recipe for Homemade Bacon Pesto Mac and Cheese - Yum!
Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. bacon cut in to quarter in. strips
1 lb. macaroni noodles
8 tbs. unsalted butter
1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 c. whole milk
1 c. mild cheddar cheese
1 c. mozzarella
8 oz. basil pesto
Directions
Step One: In large skillet cook bacon, approximately 15-18 minutes, until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove on to paper towel and set aside.
Step Two: Cook pasta, drain, set aside.
Step Three: Use pasta pot and place on burner set at medium heat. Add butter to pot. When butter is melted, sprinkle in flour, salt, pepper, and cook - whisking for 2 minutes. Slowly add in milk after two minutes, whisking while adding, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. This will take approximately 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses.
Step Four: Stir in pasta and pesto. *Depending on your love of pesto you may want to decrease the amount used. We went with less and the recipe still packed a powerful punch. Taste test your pasta to see what you prefer. I used about 7.5 oz. and we love pesto.
Step Five: Set aside 1 c. of bacon for a top garnish. Mix the rest of the bacon in to the pasta. Garnish the top of the pasta, serve hot, and enjoy!
This recipe was a HUGE hit with my family. There was plenty for two teens (with hefty appetites) and my husband and I, along with a bit of leftovers. It was served up alongside of some farm fresh pork chops and veggies.
Hope you enjoy this and find it just as delicious as we did.
