Five-minute bacon and cheese 'macaroni'
Serves 4
Preparation time less than 30 mins
Cooking time 10 to 30 mins
Ingredients
300g/10½oz plain flour
3 medium free-range eggs, beaten
approximately 3 tbsp cold water
50g/1¾oz melted butter
150g/5oz bacon bits or chopped crispy bacon
1 clove garlic, crushed
250ml/9fl oz double cream
pinch nutmeg
100g/3½oz Fontina or cheddar cheese, grated
60g/2¼oz parmesan, grated
Method
1. Preheat the grill to high. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
2. Sift the flour into a large glass bowl and add the beaten eggs. Mix together with a wooden spoon. As the dough gets thicker gradually add a little water, a splash at a time, until you have a soft and slightly runny dough.
3. Pour the dough into a metal colander held over the pan of boiling water, taking care not to burn yourself with the steam. Use the back of a ladle to rub the mixture through the colander. As the dough hits the water it will form thick 'squiggles' shaped like macaroni.
4. Cook until they rise to the surface - they will cook very quickly.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in an oven-proof dish. Pour over the melted butter to coat.
6. Heat a frying pan and add the bacon bits or chopped crispy bacon and the garlic. Fry until cooked and golden.
7. Stir in the cream, nutmeg and grated Fontina or cheddar.
8. Pour the cheese sauce over the hot 'macaroni' and sprinkle with the parmesan.
9. Cook under the grill for a few minutes until golden. Serve at once.