A few days ago, I found myself in the cheese section of our local grocery store, and the pumpkin spice gouda called out to me saying, “Buy me, and turn me into a veggie infused mac and cheese!” I’m not one to argue deny the wishes of cheese, so I picked up a wedge and started thinking about which veggies to use! We love cauliflower in our mac and cheeses because once steamed, and sauteed, it sort of blends in with the pasta, while adding a lot of nutrients. After that, we added in a little roasted squash because we thought it would go well with the fall flavours and add body to the sauce. And lastly, we added some spinach for colour!
If you find yourself around pumpkin spice gouda, you really ought to try this one!
Time: 35 Minutes (more if roasting squash)
Ingredients:
- Macaroni
- Optional Veggies:
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Roasted Squash (Acorn or Butternut works best)
- Pumpkin Spice Gouda
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup of Milk
Method:
- If using squash, peel and cube your squash. Roast at 350 in your oven until soft (~35-40 minutes).
- Begin to heat a pot of water so it will boil at around the time you’ll start to cook your macaroni.
- If using Cauliflower, cut into small florets (about the size of your pasta), and steam until soft.
- Melt your butter in a large pot (separate from your water pot), and add your steamed cauliflower. Sauté until it starts to brown a little, and then add your squash.
- When your water has come to a boil, add your pasta, and cook until soft. Then drain the water.
- As your pasta cooks, add your spinach to your veggie pan, and allow to wilt.
- As your veggies and pasta cook, dice or grate your pumpkin spice gouda.
- When your spinach has wilted, stir your flour into your veggie pot, and combine completely. Then, add your milk, and stir it in so it starts to thicken.
- When your milk thickens a bit, add your cheese, and stir in so it melts.
- When your pasta is cooked to your liking, drain the water, and add to your veggie pot. Stir to combine.
- When your cheesey sauce completely coats your ingredients, and it thickens to your desired level, plate, devour, and enjoy!
