When Mac n' Cheese is a Food Group

For my Isaac, mac n' cheese is a food group. I just couldn't handle feeding him that very frequently though- no fiber or vitamins to speak of and processed. So here is what we frequently have for lunch...

 (borrowed pic- will put in my own when my computer is fixed =))

Quick Homemade Mac n' Cheese

2. cups high fiber pasta (like Barilla Piccolini)

1 Tbs. Butter

1 Tbs. flour (I use all purpose unbleached)

1 C. milk

1 C. grated Extra Sharp cheese

1/4 tsp. salt ( I use kosher.)

4-6 oz. pureed carrot or sweet potato

Pepper to taste

Cook your pasta according to package directions- usually 7-8 minutes. While your pasta is cooking start your butter melting over medium heat in a sauce pan.  When butter is melted add your flour and stir over medium high heat. This will make a thick paste called a roux. Add your milk to your roux and wisk together. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring continously, for about a minute. Take off heat and add cheese- wisk until cheese is melted. Add salt and pureed veggies. Add sauce to pasta- mix well and serve.

Tips:
~ I have found that the extra sharp cheese makes a big difference. If you do not have extra sharp you could try adding more cheese to increase the cheese flavor.
~ The pureed vegetable gives the sauce a nice orange color and if you use the extra sharp you can't really taste it.
~ You can add some peas or broccoli by simply throwing it in with your pasta the last three minutes of cooking, but sometimes my kids balk at this. Some days it's OK with them =).
~I usually roast a sweet potato in my oven and then puree it with a little water. It's pretty easy just to toss one in the oven for an hour and they peel so easy after they are roasted. You can also use a pack of baby food.