Mac & Cheese Gets A Makeover

Nick's Favorite Vegan Mac & Cheese

The recipe below comes from sporkonline.com, which features online vegan cooking classes. There are various memberships you can purchase, which give you access to video classes, archived recipes, and more. Visit www.sporkfoods.com for more information.

If you prefer an in-person plant-based cooking class, Spork offers those in Los Angeles.

In San Diego, I recommend Veg-Appeal (www.veg-appeal.com) for fun, affordable vegan classes. Perhaps you'll find plant-based cooking schools in your area. It's a nice way to connect with others and learn some new recipes and cooking techniques.

And now for the recipe...

I have tried several vegan mac and cheese recipes and enjoy this one the most. Plus, it's husband-tested and approved!

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Spelt Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

12 ounces quinoa macaroni, or spelt macaroni (or whole wheat or brown rice shells)

1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)

1/3 cup non-hydrogenated margarine (Earth Balance)

2 1/2 cups original soymilk or water

2/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes (found in health-food stores, already-packaged or in the bulk section; keep refrigerated or in the freezer after purchase)
1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp finely ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 Tbsp light miso (found in health-food stores, Asian grocery stores, often in the refrigerated section)

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tsp stone-ground mustard

1/2 spelt or whole wheat bread crumbs

(Or 2 pieces spelt bread, 2 tsp olive oil,

dried herbs pulsed until fine in a food processor)

1 cup Daiya Cheddar Cheese *Optional (found in health-food stores, non-dairy, in the refrigerated section)

 

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Bring about 6-8 cups of water to a boil. Add sea salt. Add the macaroni

and cook as described on the package. About 7-9 minutes.

3. Heat a medium-sized sauce pan and add the margarine. Whisk in the

flour and create a roux. Add soymilk, and whisk. Add remaining

ingredients and whisk. Cook for approximately 7 minutes, or until your

cheese sauce looks thick and creamy.

4. Once macaroni is finished cooking, combine with the cheese sauce and

place the whole mixture in a greased 8 x 8 pan. Top with breadcrumbs

and Daiya cheese if using.

5. Bake covered for approximately 30-35 minutes or until bubbles appear in

the center of your dish. Enjoy!