Mac and Cheese revolution

Sooo tired of feeding my kids junk lately. And I'm starting to put my foot down. Starting with the macaroni and cheese. How much of that can these kids eat before their muscles atrophy from lack of protein, their little bellies swell from the carb overload, and their teeth turn orange from that icky "cheese" powder? Gross. Last night - super fast, natural, 5-extra-minute mac and cheese was a big hit. Here it is:

Put salted water on to boil, and have 12oz pasta ready to pour in at the boiling stage.

Then, on the next burner, create the sauce:

3 Tbl butter

3 Tbl flour

Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

Then add:

1.5 cups milk

generous sprinkle kosher salt

dash white pepper - optional (my kids won't eat black pepper. it freaks them out.)

Whisk continuously as you pour the milk in to eliminate lumps. Continue to cook on low for 4-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened. While that's cooking, grate some cheese.

1 cup grated cheddar

When sauce is thickened, pour cheese in and stir to combine.

The pasta should be about 2 minutes away from finishing at this point. Drain when it's done, and pour into your sauce. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

This took me 15 minutes from start to finish, and I didn't feel one bit of guilt at feeding them this, with a salad and apple slices. Somehow, it didn't feel like a give-up dinner, but it only took 5 minutes longer than a box mix. And YUMMY!