Bacon Mac with Green Onions

Modified from CookingLight.

This is a good example of a recipe where just a little meat goes a long way. The bacon adds such a delicious, smoky flavor. My kids found the green onions to be a little too strong, but my husband and I loved it.

Ingredients:

3 tsp salt

1 pkg whole grain penne

4 tsp flour

1.5 cups 2% milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (works best if you shred your own)

1/4 c sliced green onions

Pepper to taste

3 slices bacon

Directions:

1. Cook bacon, drain, cool and crumble.

2. Cook pasta - slightly undercook (by a min or so)

3. Mix flour and 1/2 c milk in saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add 1 cup milk and bring to a gentle boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Remove from heat and let stand about 4 minutes, or until it cools to 155 (I used a candy thermometer to gauge).

5. Stir in 1.5 cup cheese, a dash of salt, green onions, pepper and bacon.

6. Add pasta and stir gently until coated.

7. Spoon into a 2 qt broiler safe dish coated with cooking spray.

8. Broil about 6-7 minutes, or until bubbly.

2 grown up thumbs up, 2 kid thumbs down. I'll make it again for adults, but maybe make a second batch with no green onions for the kids.