Some people really look forward to the penitential and “detoxifying” nature of Lent. I am not one of them. For as much self-discipline as I tend to have on my own accord, I internally rebel when it feels forced. So, on Ash Wednesday when I was feeling particularly sorry for myself, I decided it was probably best to make mac and cheese, and I got a little creative with it.
As Catholics, we are required to do our version of fasting a whopping two days out of the year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday). Compare that to the way that Jews and Muslims fast, my whining is completely unjustified. Know that I’m well aware of that.. The food we do eat on those days shouldn’t altogether be all that enjoyable, so I will say that how amazing this recipe turned out was purely accidental… Whoops. (NOTE: I understand how this sounds to my Protestant brethren. Promise I’m not crazy)
An added bonus of this recipe is that it is SO easy and affordable. Also, because you doctor it up, one box is easily enough for 2-3 people. When it’s not a Lenten Friday, it would also be amazing with a bit of bacon in it. OK, moving on.
Side note: Did you know you can buy mac and cheese on Amazon? (another side note: You don’t have to tell me how much you love my backsplash. I already know.)
What you’ll need:
- Box of Annies White Cheddar and Shells
- Mashed cauliflower from Trader Joes (it comes in little pods, and you’ll use 7-8)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese blend
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- a shake or two of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup or so of panic bread crumbs
- (Add crumbled cooked bacon if it’s not a Lenten Friday. mmmmm)
- Sprinkle a bit of EVOO onto the broccoli, season with salt and pepper and roast at 450 until lightly roasted, about 15 minutes. After about ten minutes, add your panko bread crumbs to the baking sheet to toast.
- Meanwhile, cook the mac and cheese according to box directions.
- Spray the hell out of a small frying pan and cook your mashed cauliflower over medium heat.
4. OK, now the everything is cooked, mix it all (broccoli, mac and cauliflower) together, add your cheeses, sprinkle your garlic powder, top with toasted panko and viola!
5. Proceed with caution: you will be obsessed. I will note that you canNOT taste the cauliflower in this, so it’s picky eater approved. Adding mashed cauliflower to anything and everything is a great way to boost the nutrients.