Comfort Food: Mac & Cheese

Autumn is officially upon us and with the weather starting to turn colder, the idea of turning on my oven or standing next to a hot stove is not looking quite so insane. One of my most favorite cold-weather foods (or really any time) is Macaroni & Cheese. Although I would honestly settle for the boxed varieties, I am a grown-up now, and am fully capable of making Mac & Cheese without orange powders and Velveeta. Mac & Cheese is not famed for its healthful aspects, but the following recipe might make you feel a little better about the whole thing!


An-Attempt-To-Ease-Your-Conscience-Mac & Cheese:
Servings: a LOT, so half this if you don't want leftovers

1 lb. Whole Wheat Pasta (Elbows or Fusilli are my fave...something with lots of nooks)
14 oz. Tofu, cut into 1/2" cubes
4-10 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 c. Milk (Rice, Soy, Cow, anything)
2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp. Tamari, Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp. Olive Oil
1/2-2 tsp. Hot Pepper Sauce (I doubt you'll have problems with this being "too spicy")
3 c. shredded Cheese (I like 2 parts Sharp Cheddar and 1 part Smoked Cheddar/Gouda)
1.5 c. Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream (Rice/Soy varieties are cool too!)
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3 tbsp. Butter
3 c. Breadcrumbs


1. Cook the Pasta al dente, or even more towards the hard side (it's going into the oven, so it'll finish cooking as it bakes). Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 350F.

3. Combine everything except the Pasta, Butter, Breadcrumbs and 1 c. of grated Cheese in a food processor/blender, and blend until smooth.

4. Combine blended Cheese mixture and cooked Pasta in a large greased casserole or other baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 c. Cheese.

5. Melt the Butter in a saute pan over low heat. Add the Breadcrumbs and stir them around until they are evenly coated in Butter (this only takes a minute, & will keep the Breadcrumbs from burning in the oven). Spread the Breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

6. Bake covered for 30 minutes, and UNcovered for another 20-30. Remove from oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

Like all of my recipes, this one is open for interpretation and adjustment. Using different types of cheese, or mixing more than one type is usually delicious! Adding sliced or diced veggies and meats is also worth trying (i.e. bacon, mushrooms, onion, spinach, red pepper, etc).