Serves 6

A dish that’s equally warming whether you’re coming off the slopes or coming in from shoveling. Traditionally served in the Alps, it is a supremely comforting combination — pasta and potatoes in a cheesy sauce studded with crisp bacon and soft onions. Feel free to use a combination of cheeses from this part of the world; Emmental or Gruyere would be delicious. And if you’re short on time use jarred apple sauce, but definitely don’t skip it altogether.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

1 pound penne

6 strips thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped

2 medium onions, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

1½ cups grated Swiss cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or just until tender. Drain and place in a large bowl.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, render the bacon, stirring often, for 7 minutes or until crisp and brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Return pan to heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then add potatoes and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions begin to brown and potatoes are soft, about 7 more minutes. To the bowl of pasta, add the bacon and the potato mixture.

3. Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-high heat. Add the butter. When it is melted and bubbling, add the flour and whisk until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Add the milk slowly, whisking continually until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Add 1¼ cups of the cheese and whisk until it is fully incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour cheese sauce over pasta, bacon, and potato mixture, and stir until well mixed.

4. Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining ¼ cup cheese. Bake for 40 minutes, or until browned on top and bubbling at the edges.

APPLESAUCE

2 pounds (about 4 large) apples, peeled and grated

¼ cup water

1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the apples and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until the apples are soft.

2. Mash with a potato masher or the flat side of a spatula and serve warm with macaroni and cheese. Sydney Oland

Sydney Oland can be reached at sydney.oland@gmail.com.