How to Make Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

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By msmabry
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Make Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is an American favorite. The cauliflower and whole-wheat pasta add a healthy twist that can be included in any diet.

Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1 small head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
1/2 cup whole-wheat macaroni
2 whole cloves
1/2 small onion
2 cups nonfat milk
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup grated Gruyere, divided
2 teaspoons chopped chives
1 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper Worcestershire sauce

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Cook cauliflower for 2 minutes. Remove and plunge in ice water, drain. Keep water boiling and cook macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, press cloves into onion and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2

In a medium-size pot over medium heat, bring milk and bay leaf to a simmer with clove-studded onion. In a medium heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Mix in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Remove bay leaf and onion, then whisk milk into flour mixture; cook for 10 minutes more or until mixture comes to a simmer.
Step 3

Add half the Gruyere; pass mixture through a fine sieve. Add chives, red pepper sauce, and nutmeg. Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire to taste.
Step 4

Spread macaroni and cauliflower evenly in a 12- by 10-inch ovenproof dish, pour sauce over both, and sprinkle with remaining Gruyere. Bake for 20 minutes.