@kalejunkie CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC N CHEESE W/CRISPY BACON, the ultimate fall comfort meal that is absolutely so delicious and crave worthy! The sauce is cheesy and creamy, filled with butternut squash and fresh sage, and topped with crispy bacon that’s made in the oven with NO MESS (my favorite way to cook bacon). ⁣ ⁣ Makes 6 servings⁣ 12 oz pasta shells⁣ 8 slices bacon⁣ 2 tb butter⁣ 4 cloves garlic, mashed⁣ 1 large shallot, minced⁣ 2 tb arrowroot or tapioca flour or corn starch (to thicken)⁣ 3 tb fresh sage, finely chopped⁣ 1 1/2 cups half & half (or whole milk or coconut milk or dairy-free milk of choice)⁣ 1 15-oz can butternut squash puree⁣ 1 tb dijon mustard⁣ 14 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated⁣ 1 tsp salt⁣ 1 tsp ground black pepper⁣ 1 bunch chives, finely chopped⁣ ⁣ First, cook the bacon. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Line up the bacon in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Chop bacon and set aside. Bring a large p...