Bacon, Pumpkin, Pasta, Oh My!

Last week the temps were at a record high for this time of year in NC, reaching the upper 80s.  This week it’s finally starting to cool down a bit and I’m so ready for the true cold, fall weather to kick in and stick around.  Even though it hasn’t truly felt like fall around here lately that hasn’t stopped me, and other pumpkin lovers, from embracing the fact that it’s pumpkin season *insert crazy emoji face*!!

I just recently became an all pumpkin everything come fall type of gal just these past few years.  But don’t get me wrong, when it comes to pie I’m definitely team sweet potato all the way but there’s just something about that pumpkin flavor that’s so very comforting.

With that said, I’ve got three, yes THREE, recipes coming up over the next couple of weeks that feature pumpkin in some way.  One contains pumpkin spice, another contains pumpkin puree and today’s dish includes mashed pumpkin.  So stay tuned my fellow pumpkin lovers and if pumpkin isn’t your thing stick around anyway and give these next few recipes a try. They might make a pumpkin lover out of you too…

7 oz Penne pasta
5 Bacon strips, chopped
½ Cup cheddar cheese
½ Cup mashed pumpkin
½ Cup heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, to taste
2 Bay leaves
Olive oil, drizzle
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
In a pot over medium-high heat, boil water, add the salt, bay leaves, and pasta.
Cook for 10 minutes or until al dente.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over high heat, melt the cheddar cheese and mix with the heavy cream and pumpkin. Stir constantly until the mixture is uniform. Set the saucepan to low heat.
In a skillet over medium-low heat cook the bacon until crispy.
When the pasta is done, drain and discard the bay leaves.
Leave the pasta in the pot, and add the cheesy mixture.
Beat together over low heat.
Serve on plates, top with the bacon and Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

Tips
Add some sliced mushrooms to the cheesy mixture for an additional layer of flavor.

Be Intentional,

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