THAT familiar morning and evening chill is more noticeable now as we hurtle towards the change of the clocks, Hallowe'en, Guy Fawkes' Night and Christmas.

So it's time to think about what to give the family when they come in from the cold. A salad might not be number one on the wish list of hungry kids battling through wind and rain with a heavy gym bag.

Why not try a delicious, warming dish made with tasty bacon and packed with protein and carbohydrates?

Bacon producers Danepak have provided this easy-to-make, quick dish which will provide a hearty tea for youngsters before they tackle their homework.

Macaroni cheese with bacon

Ingredients:

8 rashers Danepak unsmoked back bacon

175g/6oz macaroni

15g/oz butter

75g/3oz frozen peas

425g jar cheese sauce for pasta

25g/1oz fresh white breadcrumbs

50g/2oz cheddar cheese, grated

Method:

Cook pasta in large pan of salted water as directed on packet until tender, then drain.

Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in butter until lightly golden. Heat oven to 200C/450F/gas mark 6.

Mix drained pasta with bacon, peas and pasta sauce, turn into an ovenproof dish, then scatter over breadcrumbs and cheese.

Bake in oven for 25 minutes until top is crisp and golden.

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 35 minutes. Serves: four.