1 [[!meta title="Apple Bacon Mac and Cheese"]]
8 + 3 granny smith apples, chopped
10 + 8 oz uncooked shell pasta
15 + 2 tsp prepared Dijon mustard
16 + 1 c shredded white cheddar
17 + 1 c shredded smoked gouda
21 + Preheat oven to 350°F.
22 + In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
23 + Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into pieces when cool.
24 + Drain bacon drippings from skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon.
25 + Add apples and onion to skillet.
26 + Cook until tender, about 5 minutes, and then set aside.
27 + Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
28 + In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
29 + Stir in flour and ground black pepper until combined.
30 + Cook for 3 minutes to form a roux.
31 + Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly.
32 + Add mustard and both cheeses, stirring until melted.
33 + Stir pasta, apples and half of the bacon into cheese sauce, stirring to coat.
34 + Transfer to a 2-quart square baking dish.
35 + Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.
36 + Sprinkle with remaining bacon.
38 [[!tag final cheese pasta]]