For the optional almond Parmesan topping:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Spread the sliced almonds on the baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Immediately transfer to a food processor and add the salt; process until finely ground.

For the optional shiitake bacon topping:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Toss the mushrooms with the oil, sea salt and pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes or until browned and crisp, using a spatula to turn them once or twice, as needed. The yield is about 1/3 cup -- enough for 4 to 6 servings.

For the mac ’n’ cheese:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add half the sea salt and then the macaroni; cook according to the package directions, then rinse with cold water and drain.
• In a medium saucepan add enough cold water to cover sweet potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil, cooking until tender about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile whisk together the oil and flour in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook for 3 to 5 minutes, then whisk in the mashed sweet potato, almond or soy milk, the remaining sea salt, garlic, mustard, soy sauce and lime juice. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low; cook until the sauce thickens, whisking as needed so it’s mostly until smooth (but don’t worry if some sweet potato pulp remains), about 10 minutes. Add the sauce and rosemary to the pasta, and toss to coat.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, as needed. Divide among individual bowls; if using one or both, top each portion with a tablespoon of the almond Parmesan and several pieces of the shiitake bacon. Serve warm.

• Heat ½ of the olive oil in a large, high-walled skillet and add the finely diced onions and garlic. Soften for 5 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, milk, cooled onions/garlic, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper. Gently incorporate the meat until evenly combined, but without overworking it (otherwise the meatballs will be tough instead of tender).
• Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on a plate. (A small cookie scoop makes it easier to roll balls of uniform size.) Transfer to the fridge and let them chill for 15 minutes, or up to overnight. Cover if chilling overnight.
• While the meatballs chill, combine the beef broth, chicken bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, and parsley in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Brown the meatballs in batches, leave plenty of room around each so that you can easily rotate them with a spoon to brown on all sides. Brown for about 1 minute per side. Remove and set aside. Add additional oil and/or decrease heat slightly as needed throughout cooking.
• Melt the butter in the same skillet and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it begins to brown.
• Add the beef broth mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Place the sour cream in a medium bowl. Spoon some of the sauce into the bowl (about ¼ cup), and stir until well-combined. Stir it into the sauce over low heat until incorporated.
• Add the meatballs back to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce on top. Allow them to heat through over low heat for 10-15 minutes (or until cooked through), partially covered. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.