Boxed Mac & Cheese with a twist

by Kim H
(WV)

Will need --
any boxed macaroni and cheese
butter
milk
1/2c - 1c yellow squash puree

Optional additions....
any fresh, frozen, canned veggie (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
leftover grilled chicken, pork, hot dogs, etc.

Make any boxed macaroni and cheese per instruction EXCEPT keep the noodles in the strainer and melt together the butter, powdered cheese and milk PLUS 1/2 - 1 cup of pureed yellow squash.

My purees are generally frozen, so I allow everything to melt together before adding the noodles. If you think the squash flavor may stand out (my son has never noticed it!) add about 1/4 c of grated Parmesan or any other flavorful cheese. Add the cooked noodles and stir then serve. It will be nice and creamy and the flavor is very subtle! If it turns out to be too creamy (the puree was too watery) then add less milk and/or butter than what is suggested.

OPTIONAL...
If your child doesn't mind peas, corn, asparagus, or any other kind of veggie, add 1/4c - 1 can frozen, fresh, or canned veggie. If frozen or fresh, add when melting butter and puree, then add noodles once the veggies are to your liking. If canned, add with the noodles. They will heat through as you stir.

I generally add peas to my mac & cheese and sometimes my son will eat them, sometimes he will not. But knowing that I already added the squash, I don't fuss if he picks them out and sets them to the side of his plate.

If you have leftover chicken, pork, hot dog or any other meat, cut into bite-sized pieces and add along with the cooked pasta and stir to heat through.