Healthy Mac n Cheese
Everyone loves Mac n Cheese but let's face it, it's not healthy or nutritious.
Here's a healthy variation which I've fooled my kids with and even my nephew who would normally never willingly eat veggies! One of my secret ingredients is Cauliflower which is packed with antioxidant, vitamins, fiber and is a member of the cancer-fighting cruciferous family of vegetables. I also like to add a little broccoli to mine but if you have fussy kids you can skip this and still have a healthy meal.

Ingredients
1 Head of Cauliflower finely chopped
1 cup Sweet Corn
2 1/2 Cups grated smoked or sharp English/Irish or Australian Chedder
5 cloves Garlic finely chopped OR 11/2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 slices of Flax Ezekiel Bread lightly toasted, cooled and crumbed
3 Tbls Butter or coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Parsley
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1/2 Habanero Pepper finely chopped
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 packet of Vegetable based Pasta
1 1/2 cups whole milk or Nut based milk
2 Tbls Flour(substitute Almond or Coconut flour to be healthier)
1 Egg Beaten
4 oz Broccoli(Optional)
1 Cup of Veggie or Chicken Broth
6 oz cup of Panchetta(Optional)
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper(if you like it Spicy)
1/4 tsp Paprika
Directions
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
Start to Steam the Cauliflower(& Broccoli if using) for 15 mins to preserve Nutrients
Put Pasta on Stove
Heat Butter until it melts,
Turn heat to low/med and add flour in stirring continuously
Start adding Milk slowly, while you continuously stir until you have a thickened sauce
Add Salt, Pepper, Turmeric, Parsley, Oregano, Habanero, Cayenne Pepper & Dijon Mustard,
Add garlic and onion
Add 1/2 cup of Water or Broth
Sprinkle in the cheese and stir well(save 1/2 cup for the crust)
Once Pasta and Veggies are cooked, transfer to a large baking dish and add a knob of butter or oil
Stir in the beaten egg and then add the Pasta sauce and the Corn
Stir well and cook for 30 mins
Remove from oven, top with the rest of the cheese
Top with Bread crumbs over the cheese and lightly sprinkle with Paprika
Broil for 3 mins or until golden brown