WE EAT | Broccoli Bacon Mac + Cheese

Cooler weather is approaching- I can feel it..even though it is still forecasting to be in the 90's, but it will be here soon..right?

I am so excited about the thought of fall and winter because with that comes all the comfort foods of the season.  Root veggies are among my favorite foods to prepare (and eat!!).  I  could probably create and fill an entire pinterest board of recipes containing sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash alone.  There is something about those foods that just bring out the sense of comfort in a meal.  

But- can comfort and healthy go hand in hand?  Sure it can! Cooking Light proves it with their latest Mac + Cheese recipe.  CL Mag is the only magazine I get in the mail these days.. and the only magazine I make time to read (and doggie ear) from cover to cover.  Parker and Jolie love to sit in my lap to look through all the vibrant pictures of healthy and delicious foods - and their September cover photo looked outrageously yummy.  I couldn't wait to make it!

A typical cheese sauce is a butter/flour roux, milk, and of course lots and lots of cheese!  This recipe replaces the butter and flour and uses the starch of butternut squash to create a rich and creamy cheddar sauce - not to mention sneaking another serving of veggies in.   

Never hurts for more veggies!  Jolie kept talking about the broccoli and how much she loved it and Parker cleaned her plate of all the pasta.

Dinner is served!

Broccoli Bacon Mac + Cheese

adapted from Cooking Light 

2 center-cut bacon slices, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced 

2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock

1 1/2 cups milk (I used skim milk)

1 (12-ounce) package frozen cubed butternut squash 

14 ounces uncooked whole wheat pasta (I used farfalle)

3 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

--

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook 4 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally. While your bacon cooks, cook the squash in the microwave according to package directions.  Mash squash with a fork or puree in a food processor of blender.  Set aside.  

Remove bacon from pan.  Remove all but 2 teaspoons bacon drippings from pan. Add garlic to ­drippings in pan; sauté 30 seconds.

Whisk together stock, milk, and squash in the warm pan; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Add pasta; cover, ­reduce heat, and ­simmer 8 minutes, ­stirring occasionally. Stir in broccoli; cover and cook 3 minutes or until pasta is done and sauce is thickened.  Stir in salt, pepper, and 4 ounces cheese. Sprinkle bacon and remaining cheese on top. Cover; let stand 1 minute or until cheese is melted.