Green Mac & Cheese

I know this dish doesn't look stunning, but at least it's healthy.

If you're looking to make you're life more green, besides recycling your cardboard and cans, try green foods. Not only are they healthy, they will give your kids a new view on food.

I love to make my own mac and cheese. I think of it more like cheesy noodles. I've never tasted homemade mac and cheese that actually tastes like store-bought. So if you're expecting store-bought, you'll be disappointed. If you are expecting cheesy and comforting, you'll be satisfied.

The recipe is simple. This makes a 9x13 pan.

Make a rue:

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp flour

Mix and cook for a couple of minutes in a sauce pan. You don't want the flour to burn.

Add 3 cups of milk. If you want to cut calories, add 1/2 milk and 1/2 water.

Whisk all together to break up flour and butter within the milk. Add shredded cheese of your choice: mozzerella, cheddar, Romano, pepper jack, etc. A little of several flavors tastes best. Keep taste-testing until the desired cheesiness is acquired. If you want to give it a hint more of heat, add some crushed red pepper and/or a little paprika.

You'll also need to salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of nutmeg in the rue is a mysterious deliciousness.

Now it's time for veggies: To make is really green, pulse spinach in a food processor until smooth and add to the rue. You can also add peas, thinly sliced and diced carrots, and diced sweet peppers. There's lots of options.

Cook 1 lb box of pasta according to directions. Once the pasta is finished, combine all this into a 9x13 dish and sprinkle with more grated cheese and bread crumbs.

Cook at 350 until cheese is melted on top and bread crumbs are golden.