Things that probably come to my mind when I think about Mac and Cheese would be.. comfort food, kids and fast food. I have no idea why or how I can come up with fast food. But anyway, that’s not the whole point. Mac and Cheese is always Mac and Cheese. So to make it healthier and more fun, add in some spinach and bacon.

Ingredients (serves 6)
from Women’s weekly Fresh food for Babies & Toddlers (I know its a weird book for me to have, but it’s my sister’s )

375g elbow macaroni
300g spinach, trimmed
1 medium brown onion, chopped finely
4 bacon rashers, rind removed, chopped finely
50g butter
1/3 cup plain flour
1 L hot milk
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated cheddar
1/2 cup stale breadcrumbs

Steps

• Preheat oven to moderately hot about 180 C.
• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water, uncovered, until just tender; drain
• Steam or microwave spinach till wilted. I used frozen spinach, it’s reasonably faster tho. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible from the spinach; chop coarsely
• Sweat onion and bacon in a saucepan till onion softens. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Melt butter in pan, add flour. Stir till mixture thickens and bubbles. Gradually add milk, stir till mixture boils with a whisk till thickens. Remove from heat and stir in cheese
• Combine pasta, spinach and cheese sauce in bowl with bacon. Pour into a casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
• Bake in hot oven abot 30 minutes. Place dish under preheated grill to brown lightly