Thanksgiving is exactly one week away, and I have been looking for the perfect holiday recipe to share with our patients this week. I was on the hunt for a recipe that checked the following boxes:

• Delicious
• Kid-Friendly
• The right balance of comfort food and nutritional
• Belongs on a Thanksgiving menu
• Braces-Friendly

When I stumbled upon this butternut squash mac and cheese recipe, I knew I hit the jackpot. I hope you try this mouth-watering recipe out.

And more importantly, all of us at McFarland Orthodontics wish you a happy Thanksgiving. We know what we are most thankful for this year (hint hint: It's YOU!)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 1/2 cups milk, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
• 1 cup aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place butternut squash chunks on a large baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and toss. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender, turning once.

2. While the butternut squash is roasting, cook macaroni according to package directions, drain well. Set aside.

3. Add butternut squash to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add in 1/2 cup of the milk and puree again. This will help thin out the butternut squash.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter is melted whisk in the flour. Add the nutmeg. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes, whisking constantly, or until flour mixture smells nutty. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk until mixture is smooth. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil while continuing to whisk. After sauce has thickened, turn heat to low and whisk in butternut squash mixture. Stir in the fresh rosemary. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until the macaroni noodles are well coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour half of the macaroni noodles into the pan. Sprinkle half of the aged cheddar and sharp cheddar over the macaroni noodles. Add the remaining noodles and then top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until macaroni and cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

xx,

A Hungry McFarland Orthodontics Staffer

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I found this recipe here: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese/

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