SMOKED BRISKET MAC & CHEESE JACK-O'-LANTERNS – Dads That Cook

Ingredients

• 8 lbs Swift Meats brisket
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 6 mini pumpkins such as Sugar Pumpkins, Baby Bear, Munchkin or Gold Nugget
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 14 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni (or other pasta)
• 6 tbsp butter, divided
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp all purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp pumpkin pureé
• ¾ cup water or broth (as needed)
• Grated aged gouda for garnish