Mac and Cheese with Kale

Hi there!

This is a great dish. Despite its healthy points, it is fantastic. I can't lie- I don't think I ever had kale before age 18 when I went to college. Then, living and eating in a primarily vegetarian/vegan co-op, I ate so much kale and made so much kale- every which way. However, not until I was done with that did I discover this recipe, which would make a great co-op recipe- you still include a bunch of healthy veggies and yummy cheese and come out with a fantastic dish. Long story short- give kale a shot if you haven't. There are a million ways to make it, and you're bound to like one of them- especially this way! OK my stomach is rumbling- let's go!

Your ingredients- simple, regular mac and cheese ingredients, plus some delish fresh bright green kale.

Cut out the stems from the kale, then give it a rough chop- this will cook down to half as much or less.

Cook your pasta, and when almost done, throw in the kale so it gets cooked right quick. Strain.

Refer to a bunch of my other posts for how to make a roux, or just follow the directions- then add your cheese and you have your yummy cheese sauce.

Pour the cheese sauce over the penne and kale, then it's ready for the oven (covering with foil for first 15 minutes is optional)

Baked Mac and Cheese with Kale
-1 lb. pasta, I use penne
-1 lb. kale, roughly chopped
-2 tablespoons butter
-2 tablespoons flour
-2 1/2 cups milk
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-4 oz. goat cheese
-2 cups shredded cheddar
-salt and pepper to taste
-parmesan to top
Cook pasta until it has about 2 minutes left, add the kale, finish the cooking, and strain.
Melt your butter in a smaller pot, add the flour and whisk together. Add the milk and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Add cheeses and stir to melt.
Put your pasta and kale in a greased 9x13'' pan and pour the cheese sauce over top. Mix around a little if needed. Top with extra cheese, before and after baking.
Bake at 400 F for 25-30 mins. I like to cover it with foil for the first half of baking.

And here it is all baked up- crispy on top and full of cheesy goodness. This is the way to eat veggies!

Savor it!
love, rue