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