We are entering the Food Network’s food challenge for November: Bobby Flay’s Macaroni & Cheese Carbonara http://community.foodnetwork.ca/blogs/cookingclubchallenge/archive/2010/11/26/we-re-banging-out-2010-s-cooking-club-challenge-with-bobby-flay-s-macaroni-amp-cheese-carbonara.aspx).

I added a few changes: no pancetta, less cheese, double-smoked bacon, whole-wheat macaroni.

No Kraft dinner in this Italian household!

Instead of pancetta I used double-smoked bacon that was on sale. I prefer the taste and flavour and price compared to pancetta. I also used whole-wheat macaroni to get some added fibre to the dish. I also just smashed the garlic and used olive oil instead of butter. The cheeses used were old cheddar, fruilano cheese (milder cheese instead of cheddar), and Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.

Here is the gallery: