Mac & Cheeze (gluten free, vegan, dairy free)

Oh Mac & Cheeze, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1. It's very creamy and is the ultimate in comfort food.

2. It's quick and easy to make, and sometimes you just need quick and easy.

3. It makes me feel like a kid again. Add a popsicle for dessert and it's a homerun extraordinare.

4. I can eat it naked (not me, silly, the noodles! I can eat them straight, just with the sauce, or add broccoli or peas or whatever).

5. I feel totally justified skipping salad or any other vegetable if I add veggies to the Mac & Cheeze. I can justify my way out of a paper bag:).

6. This recipe never fails to amaze me. I mean, how the heck does the sauce really turn orange and still remain dairy-free?

7. Leftover Mac & Cheeze is the best.



Mac & Cheeze

printable recipe

1/2 lb (or 8 oz) gluten free pasta
2 tbsp Earth Balance or vegetable oil
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup soymilk (or alternative unsweetened milk of choice)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp white wine
1 tbsp miso (I used Brown Rice miso)
2 tsp tahini
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, optional
1 c. fresh broccoli florets, microwaved or steamed until just tender or frozen peas, defrosted
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Cook pasta. When it is done, drain and then return to pan.

While pasta is cooking, heat the Earth Balance or oil in a medium-sized sauce pan. Add the cornstarch and whisk until thickened (this will only take a few seconds).

Add the remaining ingredients from soymilk through smoked paprika, whisk until thoroughly combined. If you prefer it creamier, add more soymilk. Heat until bubbling then turn down to a simmer.

Pour over pasta and mix until the noodles are coated. Add the broccoli or peas and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well-done. Enjoy!