Chipotle Mac and Cheese

My husband tasked me with replicating the declious chipotle mac and cheese at the nearby bbq joint.  Not one to turn down a challenge, I sought to perfect the idea.  I hated that my sauces would break, but I didn't want to commit to using more fat (read: cream).  I played around with half and half but still wanted something I could feel ok about.  Then, I discovered evaporated milk.  I use the 2% but I'm sure nonfat would also work.  The sauce never breaks, is super creamy and reheats better than any mac and cheese I've ever made before.  Enjoy!

PS The evaporated milk trick works for any type of mac and cheese-use cheddar and gruyere after making a roux and thickening the milk mixture for a traditional spin.

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

3-4 slices bacon

1 small onion, chopped small

1 large jalapeno, seeded and diced small

1 pinch red chili flakes

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, diced fine (you can find cans in the internaional aisle, the extras freeze well for future use!)

1 tsp chili powder

1-2 tsp cumin (I like 2!)

1/4 tsp cayanne

1/2 tsp garlic powder

3 tbl flour

1 tbl butter

1 can 2% evaporated milk

1/2-1 cup fat free half and half

8 oz cheddar, shredded

1 pound large elbow macaroni or shells or whatever pleases you most, cooked al dente

Directions:

Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a dutch oven until crisp.  Remove bacon onto a paper towel lined plate and add onions and jalapenos and pinch of red chili flake.   Season with salt and pepper. Sautee until the onions are soft and a little brown on the edges.  Add the chipotle. Stir in the flour and butter and cook one minute.  Add the spices and cook one more minute.  Whisk or stir in the milk slowly and add 1/2 cup half and half.  Bring to a bubble, stirring until the sauce thickens.  Remove from heat and add cheddar slowly while stirring until fully melted.  If needed, add a little more half and half to get the right consistency.  Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper as needed.  Add the cooked macaroni and bacon and stir thoroughly.  Enjoy!