Amazing Gourmet Mac and Cheese

             Recipe by Heather Beardall

      Let me start by saying that this is NOT a quick recipe. BUT it is well worth the time. If you have ever been to the SPARK restaurant  in Provo, this is my take on the mac and cheese they serve. (Just a note, I didn't even get time to take a picture before it was half way gone!)

Ingredients:
1/2 c butter (divided)
4-5 T flour
1 t salt
3 c milk
16 oz (approximate) noodles in any shape, cooked
3-4 cups cheese total (use any combo of gouda, pepperjack, or cheddar) we used half gouda half pepperjack
2 oz cream cheese
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1.5 t dry)
2 large sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 t dry)
1/4-1/2 lb bacon cooked and chopped
opt. 1/2 t ground mustard
opt. 1 T reserved bacon grease
opt. Panko bread crumbs

total prep and cook time: about 1 hour

First you will want to measure out the milk and leave it on the counter to warm up a little bit. Then cook your noodles in a large pot according to the directions. Drain and put off to the side. Cook your bacon and chop up in bite-sized pieces. Use the bacon grease to quick fry (about 10-20 seconds) the rosemary sprigs if you are using fresh herbs, if not skip this step. Shred or chop up all of your cheese in semi small pieces for easier melting. Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Use the pot that you cooked your noodles in to melt 1/3 c of the butter and thyme leaves (removed from stem) over med/high heat. Add the flour and salt and stir slowly but constantly until it is thick and bubbly. Slowly add all of the milk while continuing to stir. Cook over med/high heat until thickened stirring constantly to avoid burning. Remove from heat and add the cheese and cream cheese. Stir slowly until melted. Add the bacon and noodles and pour into a 2 qt casserole dish. Melt the remaining butter in the microwave and in a small bowl combine with bread crumbs. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and if you want ground mustard and 1 T bacon grease. sprinkle over the top of mac and cheese. Sprinkle the rosemary leaves over the breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. If the "crust" on top is not light-med brown place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, WATCH IT CAREFULLY because it browns fast!   Serve and watch it disappear. Let me know how you like it if you try it!