I haven’t met a kid that doesn’t like macaroni and cheese. For as long as I could remember, it was one of my son’s very favorite go-to meals. The best part was – it was quick and easy!

As he grew up, I became more creative by adding bacon to it and baking it. Some days, even lobster bites. Now that he’s in his first year of college, yes, I still pack his lunch once in a while. So here’s his lunch today…

Baked bacon with shrimp scampi mac & cheese:

Mac & Cheese: Prepare the Mac & Cheese as instructed on the Kraft box. Optional: Once cooked, add more cheese and Alfredo sauce for a cheesy and creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens.

Bacon: Slice the bacon into small pieces to reduce cooking time. Cook the bacon on medium heat until nice and crispy.

Shrimp Scampi: chopped into little chunks then sauté with butter (or EVOO), minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon, seasoned with a pinch of salt. (Optional: garnish with minced parsley.)

Once all the ingredients are cooked, toss them together in a bake-ware with the Mac & Cheese and then topped with more grated cheddar cheese and broil until there’s a nice golden crust.

ENJOY!