Simple, but Sinful Mac and Cheese – Vegan, Plant-based, Gluten-free Comfort Food

Do I even have to tell you this is kid approved? Haha – this recipe even brings the kid out in me.

Reminds me of that rich, thick, smooth comfort food of childhood; the homemade mom made from scratch and not the Kraft box. I have feed this to many, including my father who is a big meat eater, I have fooled them all. This recipe is not only vegan, but the sauce made completely with whole foods; no processed food bought at the store. I guarantee this will be one of your favorite recipes – especially if cheese is the hardest thing to give up for you. So simple to make too!

Simple, but Sinful Mac and Cheese – Vegan, Plant-based, Gluten-free Comfort Food Print recipe Serves 6-8 Prep time 1 hour Ingredients 1 Pound macaroni pasta (cooked, strained - try quinoa pasta to make this gluten-free)

3 organic russet potatoes (peeled, quartered - alternatives would be red or yellow potatoes, adjust portions based on the size of the potato)

1 Medium organic carrot (peeled, roughly chopped)

1 Medium yellow onion (diced)

2-1/2 Cups water

2/3 cups oil (almond, olive, or walnut oil)

2/3 cups raw cashews

2 Teaspoons pink himalayan salt

2 Cloves garlic

1 teaspoon dry mustard

juice from one organic lemon

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Directions Step 1 Lightly oil a 13" x 9" casserole dish/pan. Prepare the pasta according the the package, drain and rinse in cold water to insure that it doesn't clump. Step 2 During the preparation of the pasta, toss into a small saucepan the 2-1/2 cups of water, potatoes, carrot, onion. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 10 minutes or till potatoes are tender. Step 3 Pour the lemon juice, oil, cashews, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, cayenne (if you wish a kick) and the cooked vegetables in the water into your blender. My Blendtec holds 32 ounces and that is sufficient size. Blend until smooth and creamy. Step 4 Pour the pasta in the oil dish then pour over the cheezy sauce. Stir in carefully to make sure pasta is coated. Step 5 Bake for 30 minutes at 350º. Serve and enjoy!

What is the hardest non-vegan food for you to give up?