Healthier Mac and Cheese - Recipe

     How does one improve on what many consider the most loved of comfort foods?  Make it a little healthier without sacrificing the indulgent qualities people love about it.  This is a creamy and decadent mac and cheese recipe that is healthier, because it happens to have some different ingredient choices.  First and foremost go organic as much as possible.  Then choose ingredients carefully.  The first is the brown rice pasta.  Eating brown rice pasta personally just makes me feel better physically than inhaling mounds of processed wheat pasta.  So, I have been using a brand named Tinkyáda for years and years.  I can't tell a difference in taste and the texture is perfect.  The other exceptional component is coconut milk.  I use a full fat, organic coconut milk for its many nutritional benefits.  Now for the cheese.  In this mac and cheese I used a pasture-raised, organic, raw sharp cheddar cheese.  I fear not the cheese when it is made the right way.  Pasture-raised produces a healthier product than your typical grain-fed animal.  Finally, I chose to use a butter that was also pasture-raised.  If you are looking for an exceptional, awesome, healthier mac and cheese to put into your body, then this is the recipe for you!

Healthier Mac and Cheese

(Serves 8)

1 lb. Pasture-Raised, Organic, Raw Sharp Cheddar Cheese (such as Organic Valley)

1 lb. Elbow Brown Rice Pasta (such as Tinkyáda)

6 T. Pasture-Raised Butter

6 T. Organic All Purpose Flour

2 (13.5-oz.) cans Full Fat, Organic, Coconut Milk

1 tsp. Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Ginger

Grate the cheese with the large wholes of a grater and set aside while cooking the pasta according to directions.  Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven (about a 5.5 quart oven) on medium heat and add the flour.  Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly.  Add the coconut milk a little at a time whisking constantly.  Continue whisking and add the nutmeg and ginger, bringing it to a simmer.  Then turn to low heat, whisking about 2 minutes until thickened.  Add all the cheese at once and stir with a spoon until melted.  Quickly stir in the cooked and drained pasta.  Place in the oven under a broiler on high for a couple minutes until the top begins to brown in a few places.  Keep close watch so it does not burn.  Serve warm.

Below it is shown served with Beef Short Ribs with Raspberry Maple Barbecue Sauce.