Bacon and Brussels Sprout Merry Mac & Cheese

When your pan of water is boiling, add the macaroni and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back into the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

Meanwhile, halve, peel and thinly slice the onion. Heat a drizzle of oil in another large saucepan on medium-high heat. 

Once hot, add the bacon and onion and season with salt and pepper. Fry, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8-10 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash hands and utensils after handling raw meat. Cook it thoroughly.

While the onion cooks, grate the Cheddar cheese. Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). 

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, hard Italian style cheese and olive oil for the crumb (see pantry for amount).

Season with salt and pepper, then set your cheesy crumb aside.

Once the onion is cooked, add the garlic and stir-fry for 1 min more. 

Melt in the butter (see pantry for amount), then stir in the flour (see pantry for amount). Cook until it forms a paste, 1-2 mins - you've made a roux! 

Stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) a little at a time, followed by the veg stock paste. Bring to the boil, then stir and simmer until thickened, 1-2 mins.

Stir the creme fraiche and Dijon mustard into the sauce, then remove from the heat. Stir through the Cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, turn your grill on to high.

Once the Brussels sprouts and macaroni are cooked, gently stir them through the cheese sauce. Add a splash of water if it needs loosening a little.