Smokin Whiskey Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Bring an 8 quart covered pot filled with water to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, add a handful of salt and pasta. Reduce heat to medium high and cook uncovered to al dente (only to halfway). Drain then rinse under very cold water, drain very well and set aside.

Step 2: Meanwhile warm a large 12” skillet over medium-high heat. cook the bacon until crisp.

Step 3: While the bacon is cooking, prepare remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Once bacon is cooked through, remove bacon to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Reserve bacon drippings.

Step 5: Add and melt butter in the skillet. Once melted, add flour and whisk to combine. Add spices, chili paste, Worcestershire, whiskey and chicken broth. Whisk to combine. Allow to come to a bubble for 3 minutes, whisking occasionally to help pick up the bits on the bottom of the pan. Add whole milk. Whisk to combine. Bring back to a bubble, add cheeses stirring until cheese is melted and smooth.

Step 6: Add pasta to sauce and stir to combine. Add bacon. Cook pasta in sauce for 5 minutes over medium heat until sauce thickens and the pasta has a chance to absorb some of the sauce. Add salt and pepper. Serve.

Step 7: Sauce will thicken as it cools. If sauce is too thick, add milk 1/4 cup at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.