I was first drawn to this recipe (adapted from Parents Magazine) because I was looking for mushy finger food for my baby who was pretty good at the pincer grip but didn't have many teeth. It turns out that this recipe is fast, easy, delicious, AND has secret cauliflower that you don't even notice (bonus veggies!). Now, this meal is in our regular snack rotation.
If you're making this macaroni and cheese as a toddler or baby snack, the recipe makes a lot! I freeze the leftovers (for small babies, I would use an ice cube tray and for toddlers, I would freeze portions out in bags), and it's the perfect thing to have stocked in your freezer for those days when you need to get a quick meal on the table.
INGREDIENTS
8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
1 3/4 cups water
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
1 head cauliflower (cut into 2-3 inch florets, about 2.5 cups)
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp dried mustard
2 tsp unsalted butter (optional, if adding breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, if adding breadcrumbs)
METHOD
Stir together the macaroni, water, and salt (if using) in the multi-cooker. Arrange the cauliflower on top. Lock the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
When cooking is complete, press "cancel" and carefully quick-release the pressure. Cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces using scissors (or transfer to a plate and cut into smaller florets).
Add the evaporated milk, cheese, paprika, and dried mustard to the pasta; stir until creamy. Add more evaporated milk, if needed.
BONUS (the breadcrumbs)
If you're feeling extra fancy, you can add breadcrumbs. In a small skillet, melt 2 tsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs and a dash of salt. Cook, stirring until the Panko is toasted, about 2- 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into the macaroni and cheese.
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About Mama Says
I'm Lauren, a wife and mom living in Texas. I love coffee dates, game nights, football season, and bike rides.
I heavily rely on the wisdom and knowledge of other moms. Whether it's a serious topic such as discipline or something more mundane (but just as vital to my sanity) like, "Is there a diaper that my son won't pee through in the middle of the night?!," my community of fellow moms has been vital. The motto for Mama Says is "leaning into everyday mom life," and I hope that the content here helps you in some small way as you work each day loving and raising little humans.
What you can expect from Mama Says- DIYs, recipes, kid product reviews, activity ideas, parenting tips and tricks, and regular life stuff.
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