Vegan MAC & Cheese with Cauliflower

Our family loves MAC & cheese.  I can't have the cheese and I don't want to deny my family a favorite, I also don't want to make 2 meals.  So, I gave made my own version with simple substitutions and added son extra veggies with cauliflower purée.  Not vegan?  Just use butter, cows milk and your choice of cheese.

What you need:

2 cups uncooked pasta of your choice.  Cook the pasta stove top according to the directions.

1/2 cup whole wheat flower

1/2 cup vegan margarine

1/2 tsp ground sage

1/2 tsp ground thyme 

Salt & pepper to taste

Approx 2 cups rice milk

1 1/2 cups Daiya Mozerella or cheddar shreds

1 cup cauliflower boiled and puréed.  

Preheat oven to 350.  In a medium sauce pan on medium-low heat, combine the flour and margarine and stir until it forms a paste.  Add the sage, thyme, salt and pepper then slowly add about 1 cup of milk as you stir.  Once the milk is mixed with the flour mixture begin to add the Daiya a little at the time letting it melt.  If it gets to thick add more milk, stir in the cauliflower purée once all the Daiya is melted.. Once the pasta is cooked put in a lare casserole dish, pour the cheese mixture over top of the pasta,  place I the oven a cook for 20-30 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Serve warm and enjoy!

Seasonal Peach Crisp

This comforting dessert is perfect for early fall.  Mix peaches and apples or pear for a fancier version.  My version is vegan this can easily be made gluten free by substituting the flour with rice or chickpea flour.

My measurements are approximate as I usually make this by feel.

Make a portion in silicone muffin cups for a ready to go lunchbox treat.

What you need:

4-6 large ripe peaches peeled & sliced

1 cup vegan margarine (or butter)

1 1/4 cups coconut palm sugar

1 cup of while wheat flour

3 cups if oats

1tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350.  In a large mixing bowl combine margarine, sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Once mixed pour 1/2 into bottom ov casserole dish, spread peaches over top then top with remaining oat mixture.  Bake for 1/2 hour - 40 minutes until it is starting to brown.  Seatbelt warm with whipped cream or ice cream or if you are vegan with some coconut cream.  Enjoy!