European Inspired Macaroni and Cheese…with Bacon

“Food is like fashion,” I told my husband and sons as we sat down to eat this macaroni and cheese dish. After their blank stares showed me that they had no idea what I was talking about, I elaborated. “See, the basic macaroni and cheese recipe that I have is like my black wrap dress. It can taste differently every time that I prepare it…just like my dress looks different every time that I wear it because I add different accessories or wear something over it or under it. Do you understand what I’m saying?”  From the ensuing silence, I would say their answer is a resounding, “No!”  Oh, well…

I have a great “go to” baked macaroni and cheese recipe. It’s a consistent crowd pleaser so I was not looking for a new one. However, I was out with friends at AQ Kafé (that serves European inspired dishes) a few weeks ago and I ate an amazing macaroni and cheese with bacon dish. It was a huge portion, so I shared it with some of the people at my table. We all really enjoyed it and tried to guess what types of cheeses were in it. One of the guys at our table said “goat cheese”. We didn’t believe him at first. After looking at the menu, we discovered that he was right. The three cheeses were goat cheese, Parmesan cheese and white cheddar. I told the kids about it when Reggie and I came home and Sean pleaded with me to make him a similar mac and cheese. I’m so glad that he pressed the issue, because it was so good. As Reggie summed, it’s a great special occasion dish but it’s too “heavy” to add as a regular addition to a family menu. I love special occasion foods J