Two friends eating and drinking their way through Gild – Book 1 of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy!

SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1-5

Recipes for food and cocktails mentioned in this episode:

Bacon mac and cheese: 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups pasta, uncooked (I use whatever pasta I have on hand but I prefer ditalini or something that’s a tube shape so the cheese can get all over)
• 12 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into ½” cubes
• ⅓ cup milk or half and half
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• Pepper to taste
• ½ c shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain well. 
2. In the pasta pot, add velveeta, shredded cheese, milk and pepper. Stir constantly over low heat until the cheese is melted. 
3. Add back in cooked and drained pasta and most of the bacon, set some aside to top. Mix well.
4. Add mixture to single serving ramekins or an 8x8 casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheddar and remaining bacon. Place in oven, bake until cheese is melted. Let cool and Enjoy! 

You can add other items to this as well if you want! We’ve used other meats and even added diced bell peppers.

Cocktail Pairing: Smoked Old Fashioned

Description: A classic Old Fashioned with a smoky twist to echo the bacon flavors in the dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Garnish: Orange peel and a cherry
• Optional: Smoke the glass with wood chips or a smoking gun for extra depth.

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the simple syrup, bitters, and a splash of water.
2. Add bourbon and ice, stirring until well chilled.
3. If smoking, light wood chips and invert the glass over the smoke for 10-15 seconds before pouring the cocktail in.
4. Garnish with an orange peel and cherry.

Mocktail Pairing: Smoky Maple Lemonade

Description: A tart yet slightly sweet drink with a touch of smoky flavor to complement the dish’s savory richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz maple syrup
• 3 oz water or sparkling water
• Dash of liquid smoke (optional, for asubtle smoky hint)
• Garnish: Lemon wheel or rosemary sprig

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, maple syrup, and water in a glass. Stir well.
2. Add a very light dash of liquid smoke if desired, stirring to blend.
3. Fill with ice and garnish with a lemon wheel or rosemary sprig.

To get that smoky flavor for your cocktail/mocktail, go to Wayward Gifts for a drink smoker! www.waywardgifts402.com

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