[RECIPE] Bacon Jalapeño Mac & Cheese 🧀🔥 [RECIPE BELOW] 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay bacon on a sheet tray and bake ~20 min (or until your preferred crisp). While it cooks, finely chop 3–4 jalapeños. 2️⃣ Pat bacon dry, then crush or chop into bacon bits. Set aside. 3️⃣ In a large skillet, melt 1 full stick of butter over medium heat. 4️⃣ Whisk in ⅛ cup flour to form a roux. Let it cook 5–10 min, stirring, until slightly thickened. 5️⃣ Slowly whisk in 4 cups heavy cream, keeping it smooth. Cook ~10 min until it thickens slightly (cheese will finish the job). 6️⃣ Cook 1 lb elbow pasta according to package directions if you haven’t already. 7️⃣ Lower heat and add cheese: I used Gouda, smoked Gouda, cheddar blend, and pepper-infused Gouda (about 4 oz each). Stir until melted and silky. Adjust cheese to taste — save some for topping. 8️⃣ Fold in pasta, bacon, and jalapeños until fully coated. 9️⃣ Transfer to a greased baking dish. Layer it up: • Half the mac → cheese • Remaining mac → mo...