In Sock Monkey Slippers-Baked mac n’ cheese

The title says it all. There’s no need for explanation. It’s every kids dream meal. Cheesy goodness with a little something green snuck in. Made in small portions, this is an easy bite size meal or snack.

Mac’n Cheese {for baby, toddler, oh who am I kidding? For everyone.}

• 3 Tbs butter
• 3 Tbs flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cup white cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 c will be used in sauce and 1/4 c for the topping)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 4 cups cooked elbow pasta
• 3 heads or close to half a pound of broccoli, cooked, chopped and stems discarded (I steam mine in the microwave in a bowl with a little water for 5 min. You can also put it in with the pasta when it is cooking.)
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Pre heat oven to 400°.

In a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until flour is cooked about 2 minutes.

Add milk and whisk. If you have a second warm the milk in the microwave for a minute before adding it to the flour/butter mixture. This will help with any lumps but if the kids are running around, the phone is ringing and the dog is chewing on the baby toy then don’t worry about it and do a little extra whisking. Bring to a slight boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cheddar, 1/4 cup of parmesan, salt, and pepper. Once melted and smooth, turn off heat.

Add pasta and broccoli. Stir until combined. Taste and add any extra salt or pepper if needed.

Add small spoonfuls into greased mini-muffin pans.

Combine the breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan cheese in a bowl and stir. Sprinkle a small amount over each cup in the pan. Place in oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden. Allow to cool and then remove carefully. Makes 2 mini muffin pans, or 48 mini-muffin size portions. Of course, you can do what I did and make 1 pan of 24 and eat the rest for dinner. Totally cancelling out this mornings workout. Adding in the glass of wine I’m drinking now and well, I’m hopeless.
This is a quick re-heat meal or snack. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for a month. To reheat, place a damp paper towel over the mac n’ cheese an place in microwave.
Tip: Add 1/3 cup of shredded cooked chicken or use peas instead of broccoli.