Maple Bacon Loaded Mac And Cheese

• 2tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 3tbsp plain flour
• 1tsp whole grain mustard
• 550ml milk
• 4tbsp pure maple syrup, preferably amber maple syrup for its rich taste
• ¼tsp ground nutmeg
• 150g red Leicester cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 400g cooked macaroni
• 300g smoked streaky bacon
• 4tbsp croutons
• 4tbsp grated parmesan

To make the maple cheese sauce

1. Heat oven to 180°c.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat then add garlic, flour, mustard, half the maple syrup and nutmeg.
3. Stir mixture with a wooden spoon cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture bubbles. Gradually stir in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce.
4. Keep stirring and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking all the time until thickened.
5. Take off the heat and add the red Leicester, stir in the cooked macaroni then season with salt and pepper. Keep aside.

Cook maple bacon

1. Cook the streaky bacon in a frying pan on low heat until crispy.
2. Crush the bacon in a bowl then mix with 2tbsp of maple syrup.

Assembly

1. Tip the pasta and cheese mix into an ovenproof dish and bake for 20 minutes until crisp and golden.
2. Once baked leave to rest for 5mins and sprinkle the maple bacon, croutons and parmesan on top then serve.