Vegan Mac & Cheese

     Hmmmm, this is surely a comfort food and perfect for today's gray, rainy day. I was so happy with yesterday's results on the Two Vegan Cheese Sauces that I was eager to create this classic dish.

     First prepare one recipe of Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce. For the Mac & Cheese I did the same seasoning's as in the recipe, increased the salt to 1/2 t., added 1/4 t. black pepper, 1 t. dried basil and omitted the nutritional yeast (which I am feeling this recipe doesn't really need). I also added 4 T. extra virgin olive oil (1/4 C.) and a total of 3 T. almond milk (adding 1 T. at a time). My mixture was thicker today and needed the extra liquid. As you can see in the picture below, this made just over 1 cup.

     Before making the sauce, I put on a pot of water to boil the pasta. Here I used 1 1/2 cups of Dellallo's gluten free elbow pasta which took 4 minutes to cook! You want to keep an eye on this pasta so that it stays a little al dente. After draining the pasta (don't rinse), I returned it to the pan, stirred in the sauce and set it aside.

     The pasta is now ready to use in the casserole. If you want to eat it as is, I would suggest heating the sauce before adding it to the pasta.

To make Vegan Mac & Cheese Casserole:

1. For a crunchy topping- tear a piece of gluten free bread into a few pieces and place in a 4 cup food processor. Add 1/4 cup of walnuts. Pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set Aside.

 2. In a small skillet, on medium heat, add 1 T. grapeseed oil. When the oil is hot add 1 cup of chopped onion, celery and red bell pepper, sauté until the vegetables are soft. Stir this into the pasta and transfer to an oven proof casserole dish. Sprinkle the bread-walnut crumbs on top. Dot with some Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread (optional).

3. Two options for cooking: warm in a preheated 350° oven for 20-30 minutes or reheat in a microwave oven for about 4 minutes, then place under the broiler to toast the topping.

         This made enough for 4 generous servings. Serve with a side salad or vegetable for a complete meal. ENJOY!!