Cooking Bleary - Episode 7

Happy New Year!

Today it's Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Pie) with a twist.

What you'll need:
Whole Wheat Pasta (1 box)
1 head of cauliflower (stalk removed).
Butter (2 tbsp)
Cheese - Mild Cheddar, sharp cheddar, parmesan and any cheese you prefer when making mac and cheese. I can't say how much cheese that's up to you.
Milk - any kind I used almond (1 1/2cups)
Garlic Powder (1tbsp)
Onion Powder (1tbsp)
Salt

If you're lactose intolerant you can omit the milk ingredients or substitute them with something else. It would work.

Lets Get Started!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (that's if you'll bake you'll bake your Mac and Cheese)
2. Boil the Pasta as you usually do, or following the instructions on the box and drain when done.
3. While the pasta is being boiled I started on the cauliflower. In a food processor chop the cauliflower as fine as you can or you can hand grate it as fine as you possibly can and put into a bowl. 
4. Microwave the cauliflower for 3 - 4 minutes until cooked. 
   
5. Optional: Add onion and garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese to the cauliflower and mix.  
6. In a large pot (preferably a wide pan that can accommodate the pasta) pour the milk in and apply low heat and stir.
7. Once the milk is heated (not boiling), add the cauliflower, butter and cheese consecutively and stir slowly mixing all the ingredients. If you are not using cheese, I suggest adding more flavors like garlic and onion to the sauce. 
   
8. Add the pasta to the pot or you can pour the sauce into the pot with the pasta and mix.
   
9. You can also add other mix ins like bacon, chicken, broccoli, carrots, spinach, etc to your mac.
10. Now pour the Mac and Cheese into a greased baking pan. Top with more cheese, whole grain breadcrumbs, etc and place in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes.
    
11. Let it cool, cut, serve and enjoy. I paired this with Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Veggies (Carrots and Celery - Recipe will be available in a bonus episode)