COMFORT FOOD WEEK: BACON MAC

When it's cold outside, something warm and filling sounds so... comforting. This week, we'll share some favorite comfort food recipes, starting with this bacony mac-n-cheese recipe from Cooking Light magazine.

INGREDIENTS

3 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

12 ounces penne pasta

4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups skim milk, divided

2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.

3. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155 degrees. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss. Spoon into a 2-quart broiler-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil 7 minutes.

Yield's six one-cup servings.