Bourbon & Bacon White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS

8 oz

Bacon, Frozen

1/2 cup

Whole Wheat Panko Crumbs

– 2 tsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 lb

Medium Pasta Shells

tbsps Salted Butter

tbsps Flour, Sifted

1 cup

Heavy Cream

1/4 cup

Good Quality Bourbon

3 cups

Shredded White Cheddar Cheese (I used Cabot Artisan Reserve)

3/4 cup

Skim Milk

1/4 tsp

Smoked Paprika

1/4 tsp

Coarse Black Peppercorn – approx

Sea Salt

Fresh basil to garnish (optional)