Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food. The warm ooey-gooey goodness can dry almost any childhood tear. HOWEVER, it can also be devastatingly unhealthy. I am obviously not a fan of the processed kinds that last longer than I’m going to live. Even if you manage to get some that doesn’t have chemicals and preservatives, they can still have too many bad fats and sugars. Here are 3 ideas to help you keep your kids smiling from the inside out:
1. make it yourself: making your own mac and cheese is actually really easy and delicious. This way you control the quality and quantity of ingredients. This freezes up very well. Just cover it will tin foil and freeze before you bake. When you are ready to enjoy, put it straight from the freezer to the oven, just leave the tin foil for 40 minutes and then remove tin foil and bake an extra 30-40 minutes.
my simple recipe-
Mix 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until flour and butter have combined into a paste. Add 1 1/2-2 cups milk. Without allowing the milk to boil, cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens (test by dipping a spoon in a running your finger along with back, if the sauce doesn’t run back together, it’s done). Add a pinch of salt and pepper, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a dab of dijon mustard. Remove from heat and stir in about 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Meanwhile, cook about 1/2 pound whole grain macaroni noodles in a pot of salted boiling water until very al dente. Drain and mix with sauce and vegetables. Pour in a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and a drizzle or extra virgin olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Enjoy with a nice green salad.
2. use whole grain noodles and organic dairy products: does this even need an explanation?!?
3. mix vegetables in: my favorite mix-in is baby spinach. I chop in up and toss it in with the warm sauce and noodles, it adds lots of vitamins and a great flavor. (think spinach ravioli).
Cozy up and enjoy. xo.
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