Preheat the oven to 350°F
Butter a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until crisp, about 7 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper toweled plate.
Add the onion and bay leaves to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the paprika, oregano, garlic and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the flour until blended.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth.
Bring to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly, and cook until thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce gently for 30 minutes, whisking frequently.
Discard the bay leaves.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the macaroni or penne and boil until pliable but undercooked, about 4 minutes.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Stir 4 cups of the cheddar into the hot sauce, add the bacon and season with salt, black pepper(as needed) and a pinch of crushed red pepper(as needed).
Add the sauce to the pasta and mix well.
Spread the mac and cheese in the prepared baking dish and scatter the remaining 1 cup of cheddar on top.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving with a baby spinach salad w/a vinaigrette dressing, crusty rustic bread and a Brunello di Montalcino from southern Tuscany.
**The assembled mac and cheese can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	902.69 Kcal (3779 kJ)
Calories from fat	401.36 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	44.6g	69%
Cholesterol	129.25mg	43%
Sodium	898.53mg	37%
Potassium	673.32mg	14%
Total Carbs	80.97g	27%
Sugars	15.39g	62%
Dietary Fiber	3.32g	13%
Protein	45.63g	91%
Vitamin C	1.6mg	3%
Vitamin A	2mg	67%
Iron	2.6mg	15%
Calcium	995.2mg	100%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	156.83 Kcal (657 kJ)
Calories from fat	69.73 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	7.75g	69%
Cholesterol	22.46mg	43%
Sodium	156.1mg	37%
Potassium	116.98mg	14%
Total Carbs	14.07g	27%
Sugars	2.67g	62%
Dietary Fiber	0.58g	13%
Protein	7.93g	91%
Vitamin C	0.3mg	3%
Vitamin A	0.4mg	67%
Iron	0.5mg	15%
Calcium	172.9mg	100%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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