Smoked Gouda and Pale Ale Mac n' Cheese

Mac n' Cheese is not only a quick, classic, and delicious dish but is also extremely versatile. Now there is nothing wrong with your basic Mac n' Cheese, but it is so easy to take this dish from good to amazing. So why not make it a little more interesting? Make it spicy with hot peppers and Cajun spices or Jalapenos, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Or you can do what I did and make your Mac n' Cheese smoky and sweet with smoked Gouda, beer, bacon and sweet, crisp apples.

Smoked Gouda and Pale Ale Mac n' Cheese (my personal recipe)
Ingredients 
1 lb pasta (I used whole grain penne, elbow noodles would work just as well)
2 1/2 cups smoked Gouda
2 cups cheddar cheese (I used half mild and half sharp)
4 eggs
3 Tbsp butter
1 cup milk
1 cup Pale Ale (or Amber ale)
1 Tbsp olive oil (or truffle oil is great if you have it)
2 cloves garlic-minced and crushed
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups ripped kale
4 strips of bacon (I cut the fatty bits off)
2 Tbsp chopped green onion
1 apple (diced)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
salt
pepper
-Some other optional ingredients that would be great with this recipe:
Broccoli, spinach, onions, tomatoes, chicken, shrimp (If you choose to make this recipe with shrimp I suggest adding some Cajun spices)     

Directions 
Preheat oven to 374 degrees.
Cook pasta until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon and the veggies. Cook the bacon until crispy, let it cool, then break it into small pieces. To cook the veggies start by cooking the garlic in the oil on medium-high heat until golden brown. When the garlic is done, add the mushrooms and saute. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the kale and cover with a lid. Allow mushrooms and kale to steam for a few minutes. After the kale is done steaming, allow the veggie mixture to simmer until any liquid in the pan is gone. Once the veggies are done set aside and allow to cool. Whisk the milk and eggs together.
In a sauce pan melt butter, whisk in milk and egg mixture, heat, add ale. Heat this mixture until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in cheese a little at a time, saving about a 1/4 cup. After the cheese has melted and is integrated into the milk and ale mixture, whisk in the cooked veggies, bacon bits, and spices.
Place cooked pasta in a greased casserole dish, pour the mixture over top, mix well. Sprinkle with the final 1/4 cup of cheese, the green onion and a dash of nutmeg. Place in oven, bake for 25 minutes or until set. Remove from oven, allow to sit for about 5 minutes, sprinkle apple on top. Enjoy!