Mac and Cheese with Peas

Mac and Cheese with Peas

 

This is another recipe from my friend Tina, a very big supporter of my blog! Thanks Tina! I slightly altered Tina's recipe when I made it to make it lower fat, and i also added the peas. Because I lowered the fat content it made it a little on the bland side, so I have offered below both versions, the lower fat version (which is still nice- but perhaps ensure to season it lots and perhaps add some trim bacon for more flavour), and the totally yummy original version (when you just need flavour and to hell with it!).

Time taken?: About 30 mins all up. Pretty quick!

2 year old friendly?: I would imagine so- although mine refused to try it! I know that Tina's little 1 year old loves it- so it's at least 1 year old friendly!

INGREDIENTS
250g elbow macaroni
60g butter (low fat version-  60g Nuttelex)
1/3 cup plan flour
3 cups milk (low fat version- 2.5 cups skim milk. You add less if it's skim as skim is more watery and the sauce doesn't thicken otherwise)
2 cups coarsely grated pizza cheese (low fat version- lite tasty cheese or lite mozzarella)
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
(Reminder- add some salt and pepper and maybe trim bacon if doing low fat version)

METHOD
1. Pre heat the grill setting on your oven on high.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente and drain. As pasta is cooking, melt butter in saucepan, add flour, cook and stir for about 2 mins or until mixture thickens and bubbles. Gradually stir in milk, cook and stir until sauce boils and thickens.
3. Stir pasta, half of the cheese and the peas (if adding) into the sauce. Pour mixture into shallow (2litre, 8 cup) baking dish. sprinkle remaining cheese on top and place under hot grill until cheese melts and is browned lightly.