Hidden Veggie Mac n' Cheese |

This gooey goodness has been a LONG time coming, friends. I hesitated to create a Mac n' Cheese recipe, because there is such an overwhelming abundance of them online. But what I'm learning, with deepest gratitude and humility, is that y'all want my version of dishes. And so, I will deliver!
For an LL Balanced Mac n' Cheese, I wanted to use real-deal dairy, as there are still plenty of folks who can digest it in moderation (myself included). I made sure to use the best quality I could find—cheddar from pasture-raised, grassfed cows and full-fat organic mascarpone. This ensures humane practices behind the farm-to-shelf journey of these products. It also helps ensure that our bodies respond to them in the best way possible, because they're in easily-recognizable form (instead of unnaturally processed), and they contain a healthier fatty acid profile.
While I kept the traditional dairy cheese, I wanted to use a few nutritious, non-traditional add-ins. First, I went for my favorite Eat Banza noodles. Made from chickpeas, this pasta is higher in fiber and protein than wheat noodles, and it is great for helping move things along, digestively speaking (feels?!). Plus, I LOVE the taste and texture. I order my Banza noodles on Thrive Market, but you can also find them at Costco and Target at a great price.
Secondly, I had to throw a veggie in there somewhere, and cauliflower was a perfect fit! A vitamin and mineral-packed chameleon, steamed and pureed cauliflower also adds creaminess, but it is undetectable in the final dish! If you want to add even more veggies to this Mac n' Cheese, feel free to toss in some roasted broccoli, which is a delicious combination.
If y'all give this Mac n' Cheese a try, please let me know and tag me on Instagram @lauraleabalanced #llbalanced. I hope you love it!!!!
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