Since the beginning, I've always been a 'food based blog'. I started out as cupcakes, next was just desserts, and then I went healthy. All.Over.The.Place. Right?
I love blogging about food and healthy meal ideas, but recently I've been thinking of ideas of how I want to do more than just blog about food. Obviously food is a huge part of living a healthy lifestyle, but I also believe so many other aspects go into health, and happiness. I want to stretch this blog a little more and focus on the idea of 'health & happiness' as a whole...and not just food.
(Did I repeat myself?)
I haven't fully decided what that means, but I am hoping that over the summer The Diva Dish will be able to find it's voice. Whether that means more of this or that I don't know...But food will always be a big part of this, so don't worry. :)
How many times can I say the word food in this post?
A small part of that change will be sharing more of a reality as to what my kids really do eat. Pretty recipes and "true stories" can only convince you guys so much right?! I mean...Do my kids REALLY eat healthy? Have they ever even had boxed Mac n Cheese?!
Yes and Yes.
Sometimes I get worried to post a recipe that has cheese or a high amount of calories because it may not be considered "completely healthy" and then the world will think I'm a FRAUD!! But here right now, I will tell you my kids eat cheese. And some of their meals are probably high in calories...
One important thing I've learned with my kids is that they are growing and their body needs food and it's nutrients to grow. Their body doesn't need fat free, calorie-less foods. They need the fats, proteins, carbs, etc. to help their brains and bones!
Mac N'Cheese is always a kid favorite, and I'm not going to lie, making it from a box can save a lot of time. But on the days where I have a little more time, I love to make homemade mac! It last us for the next couple of lunches, which is one of the things I love about it!
Switching up the pasta shapes is always fun for kids, but I love adding in orange-colored pureed veggies to really up the nutrients! This dish has carrot puree, which brings out a subtle sweetness to it! And, carrots are orange, fake cheese is kind of orange...soooo....
Win Win!
Kids Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- salt
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 TB. butter or coconut oil
- 1 1/2 TB. flour (can use whole wheat, spelt, all purpose, etc.)
- 1 tsp. ground mustard powder
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk (or other milk of choice)
- 2 c. sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
- For the Topping (optional)
- 1 TB. coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. tumeric
- 1/4 c. bread crumbs (fresh)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the carrots until tender.
- While the carrots are cooking you can make your topping.
- Melt the oil in a pan, then add the rest of the ingredients for the topping. Whisk together for a minute or so then remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the carrots when they are done with a slotted spoon and transfer to a blender.
- Add the pasta to that same pot/water. Cook pasta until tender. Reserve 1 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the water to the carrots in the blender.
- Puree the carrots until smooth.
- In a sauce pan melt your butter/oil on medium heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard powder and continue to whisk for 1 minute.
- Then whisk in the evaporated milk and carrot puree until smooth.
- Simmer the mixture until it has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until it has melted. Fold in the pasta!
- Serve into individual bowls and top with crunchy topping!
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As for us parents, don't be ashamed to eat a little mac n' cheese! Serve this along side fresh veggies and a large salad and you are great!
For the record, Carrots > Fake Cheese.
What would you like to see more of on The Diva Dish?! I Would LOVE your input!!