Leek and bacon macaroni bake

Preparation

Finely slice the medium leeks. Chop the smoked streaky bacon. Whizz the white bread into crumbs. Grate the mature Cheddar.

Method

1. 1 Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6 (180 ̊C for fan ovens).
2. 2 Heat the oil in a frying pan, and gently cook the leeks for 6-8 minutes until soft; remove and set aside.
3. 3 Fry the chopped bacon until crispy, then set aside. Move on to the next step while you wait for the bacon to cook.
4. 4 Meanwhile, cook the macaroni for 5 minutes, drain, then return to the pan.
5. 5 Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. 6 Over a very low heat, gradually stir in the milk. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously, until smooth and thickened.
7. 7 Stir in the mustard and half the cheese, then season to taste.
8. 8 Add the leeks and bacon to the macaroni, stir well, pour over the sauce, then toss together to coat. Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish.
9. 9 Mix together the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese, season with black pepper and scatter over the macaroni.
10. 10 Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.