Name: Macaroni and Cheese with Mushrooms and Bacon
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound small elbow macaroni (about 4 cups); 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter; 3/4 pound mushrooms, chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon all purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 3 cups (packed) grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread

Stuart Faber of Los Angeles, California, writes: "When I'm not in my law office, I fly my own plane and write for In Flight USA, a magazine for private pilots. One of my favorite things to do when landing someplace new is to find a restaurant and ask if I can work for free. I've found some of my best recipes this way. Usually the chefs will let me hang out for a few days and help, but some do look at me a little strangely."

A dressed-up version of a dinnertime classic.

Recipe notes

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