Sneaky Macaroni and Cheese

American Dinner Recipes

1 1/2 c. pasta 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. flour 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. cauliflower puree 1 1/2 c. shredded cheese 4 oz. cream cheese salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Okay, I'm one of the millions who saw this on Oprah and just had to try it. It went over okay with the kids; they weren't too keen on it mostly because I used spicy Mexican shredded cheese. Nobody said a peep about the cauliflower. On Purees Steam the cauliflower or cook it in the microwave. So on Oprah the little prep bowls of puree looked for all the world like soft-serve ice cream. Me, I used our blender...which is great for milkshakes, daquiris, hootenanie, even Orange Julius. My cauliflower puree looked more like tiny chopped up bits of cauliflower and not a smooth dollop of sneakiness. I advise using a food processor or a mini chopper or a stick blender instead. Make Dinner Cook pasta in plenty of boiling water, according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir flour in to the oil to make a thick paste or roux. Slowly add milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in cauliflower puree, cheese, and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat until cheese melts, stirring until sauce is smooth. Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Serve immediately or make ahead and warm in the oven.

Submitted by Gretchen Grant
Contributed on: Wednesday October 17th, 2007 and modified on Friday October 19th, 2007