Bourbon & Bacon White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

8 ounces bacon, frozen
½ cup Whole Wheat Panko Crumbs
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound medium pasta shells
2 tablespoons Cabot Salted Butter
2 tablespoons King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, sifted
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup good quality Bourbon
12 ounces Cabot Sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
¾  cup skim milk
¼ teaspoon smoked Paprika
¼ teaspoon coarse black peppercorn 
Pinch of sea salt
Fresh basil to garnish (optional)

Directions

To see how to make this recipe, visit Wry Toast Eats.

Photo courtesy of Christine Fischer.