At the end of each January I like to look at my New Year’s resolutions to see if there are any goals that may have to be reassessed. Drinking more green tea? Check. Storytime with my children? Check. Eating healthy? Almost a check…

I am pretty good about sharing healthy eating tips with my family overall, but I can’t help but let my girls enjoy a mini cupcake every once in a while. Another thing they enjoy is macaroni and cheese which is why I’m thankful that Citibabes’ director of children’s programming, Keri Snyder, has shared a wonderful recipe for vegan macaroni and cheese. 

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Since I became a vegetarian, I have been searching for that one fantastic comfort food that is not only delicious, but also fun to make. As a vegetarian, this search became difficult as I found myself craving things like chicken soup and chicken fingers – both off the list for vegetarians.

When I finally found this amazing recipe for vegan mac & cheese I was so excited and my roommates and I couldn’t wait to make it! It is delicious and the best part is that this recipe can be enjoyed by the whole family! Every child loves mac & cheese, so why not try it with a vegan spin?

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds of elbow macaroni (or whatever pasta you prefer)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (I use Earth Balance)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 3 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• Onion powder (just a pinch)
• Turmeric (just a pinch)
• Cayenne pepper (just a pinch – unless you like it spicy)
• 1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp. mustard

Directions:

1. Boil water and add the macaroni.
2. Melt the vegan butter over low heat. Beat in the whole wheat flour with a wire whisk.  Continue to beat over medium heat until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Whip in the boiling water. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cayenne, pepper flakes, soy sauce, and mustard to the liquid.
4. Let the sauce cook until it thickens and bubbles. Once thickened, beat in the nutritional yeast. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more water. Sometimes I add a bit of soy milk instead of water.
5. When the macaroni is cooked, drain and add the sauce. Serve immediately.

Original recipe from Rootielicious.com.

By Keri Snyder, Director of Children’s Programming, Citibabes