101 Dream Vacations

Pepper Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe

Today I am dreaming of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. The aroma of the sweet and savory dishes from around the world, the deep colors off all the flowers and plants, and of course the tastes of all the amazing wines from all over. Are you dreaming with me yet? Well I am already planning my food and wine trip for this fall, with 101 Dream Vacations, but in the meantime I am bringing you a great recipe from the festival you are sure to enjoy. The Pepper Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe, from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Cookbook, is sure to be a hit at your dinner table as it is at mine.

Pepper Bacon Mac and Cheese
Farm Fresh Marketplace
Serves 6

Pepper Bacon Macaroni

• 1 pound macaroni
• 8 slices pepper bacon
• 1/2 cup diced white onions
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 3 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 pound (4 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 pound (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 pound sliced American cheese
• 2 ounces (1/2 cup) shredded Gruyere cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 slices pepper bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For pepper bacon macaroni:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook pepper bacon until crisp. Chop and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of grease.
3. Heat grease in a medium-skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.
4. Add onion, green pepper, red pepper and jalapeño. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until vegetables are warm, but still crisp. Set aside.

For cheese sauce:

1. Heat cream in large saucepan over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, slowly stir in all of cheese, mixing well to melt cheese.

To assemble and serve:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine cooked pasta, vegetables and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
3. Pour into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake 15 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.