Mac & Cheese to Die For!

I used to always pull out that blue box when my family asked for Mac & Cheese for dinner.  After each and every time, one of my girls would inevitably say after dinner that their stomache hurt.  Which got me thinking as to what exactly was inside that blue box.  

After some research, I found out that the NY Times had done an entire article on those blue boxes that are made in the USA.  Did you know that the UK actually has different labels for those boxes we buy, with not 1, but 2 warning labels on them?  

Warning labels like:

"This product may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children."

and this one:

"GMO Declaration, Made from genetically modified wheat (May contain GMO)"

So in an effort to eat healthier, I began my quest on making the most delicious and tasty mac and cheese dish from scratch.  With that said, here's the recipe that has been such a huge hit in our house, that I am now making this dish once a week.

Mac & Cheese

1 - 1lb package pasta of your choice

1 - 1/2 lb package of cooked bacon

1/2 cup chopped chives

1 cup shredded Gouda Cheese

1 cup shredded Havarti Cheese

2 Cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 TBSP Cream Cheese

1/2 - 3/4 Cup Milk

2 TBSP Butter

1 tsp flour to thicken

Salt & pepper to taste

Cut raw bacon into bite size pieces, cook in pan until crispy.  Drain and set aside.  In another pan, cook pasta until done, drain and set aside.  Use pasta pan to melt butter, stir in milk, and flour to thicken.  Slowly add your shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring continually until each one is melted and smooth.  Add cream cheese.  Stir until smooth.  

Add your cooked pasta, and mix until thoroughly coated.  Add cooked bacon.  Transfer to a baking dish, add a dash more milk, top with additional shredded cheese if desired, cover and bake for 10 - 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  

Once you serve each plate, top with chives, and serve.  

Once you realize just how easy this dish is to make from scratch, you'll never want to buy the blue box again!