WHISKEY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Whiskey Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Debbie R.

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

12 ounces hickory smoked bacon
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Wondra Flour
1/2 cup whiskey (Jack Daniels or Irish)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups low-fat milk
4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 ounces provolone cheese
2 ounces asiago cheese
8 ounces dry elbow macaroni

Steps:

Cook pasta in boiling water about 7 minutes; set aside. Do not overcook, and do not rinse.
While it's cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until it is crisp. Remove from pan. Pour out all but two tablespoons of the drippings (leave the two tablespoons in the pan). Wipe outer side of pan if grease is on it from pouring off the rest of the grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
While bacon cooks: (1) shred cheeses and (2) in a large measuring cup, combine chicken broth, whiskey, spices and Worcestershire sauce.
In skillet with bacon fat, add the butter and melt it. Add flour; whisk to combine. Add chicken broth mixture; whisk. Let bubble for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to pick up fond on the bottom of the pan. Add milk; combine. Let come to a bubble or at least get very hot and add cheeses. Stir until it's melted and smooth. All of this stuff can burn easily; watch it.
Add pasta and bacon to sauce; stir. Cook pasta in sauce for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring. It's done when the sauce is thickened.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571.3, Fat 21.3, SaturatedFat 13.1, Cholesterol 61, Sodium 529.1, Carbohydrate 53.4, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 8.6, Protein 23.6