Kiss the Cook: A smoky twist to a classic comfort food

Comfort food — quick, easy, filling and delicious! If you are like me, you enjoy a classic recipe with a slight twist. I multi-task a lot, so I enjoy recipes that allow me to assemble them and bake in the oven or cook in the crockpot, requiring little attention so I can work on other activities.

The following macaroni and cheese recipe is a perfect example of an easy to make comfort food which allows me to multi-task.

Recently, I took a classic simple macaroni and cheese recipe and gave it a twist. It has a slight smoky and spicy flavor that works well with the three cheeses in it.

This was easily assembled in 15 minutes and then placed into the oven for 30 minutes. Those 30 minutes allowed me to go for a run while it baked, which is perfect for those that like to pack in a full day.
Easy Mac and Cheese with a Twist
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
6 slices thin smoked bacon
16 oz box of elbow macaroni
1 can (10.75oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
8 oz. shredded Colby cheese
8 oz. shredded cheddar jack (mild cheddar and Monterey Jack) cheese
1 chipotle chili pepper in adobe sauce (chopped very fine)
½ cup plain Panko bread crumbs
1 tbs olive oil
Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9” x 13” or similar size casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Bring to boil a large pot filled ½ to ¾ full with slightly salted water, add macaroni and cook for 8 minutes. Stirring occasionally, drain
3. While waiting for the water to boil, fry your bacon until crispy, remove and cool on a paper towel. Once cool, break up or chop the bacon into smaller pieces.
4. Combine soup, bacon, cheeses, evaporated milk and the chipotle chili in a large bowl. Stir well. Pour this mixture into the macaroni and mix well
5. Now transfer to your prepared casserole dish
6. Using a fork, stir together the bread crumbs and olive oil in a small bowl, mixing well. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole evenly.
7. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is brown and bubbling.
Do you have a great recipe to use sweet corn when it’s in season? Send it to me for testing and possible publishing. I would enjoy hearing feedback, comments or suggestions.