Charity Chomp: A cheesy bake to 'mac' you smile

Friday 04 August 2023

With the recent dreary weather, why not bring some comfort to your table with this deliciously cheesy charity bake?

This week's Charity Chomp comes from Caring Cooks, a charity which provides nutritious food to families across the island, as well as hot meals and cooking education in schools.

This week, they've shared their take on mac and cheese, with a cauliflower twist.

With simple ingredients and only 35 minutes to prepare and cook, this dish will come in handy whether you want to impress guests or if you are looking for a quick meal to make during the week.

The recipes serves two adults or one adult and two young children but you can simply adapt the quantities to feed more mouths.

ALLERGY NOTE: Contains wheat, dairy and garlic.

Cauliflower and Macaroni Cheese Bake

Ingredients

• 140g of dried macaroni

• Half a small cauliflower

• 60g of mature cheese

• Four tablespoons of Crème Fraiche

• 80ml of cooking liquid

Toppings

• 30g of breadcrumbs

• Half a teaspoon of garlic purée

• Half a teaspoon of mixed dried herbs

Equipment

• Weighing scales

• Saucepan & lid

• Prep knife

• Chopping board

• Colander

• Spoon measures

• Grater

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring jug

• Oven proof dish

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 220°c.

2. Half fill the saucepan with water and bring to the boil.

   Prepare the cauliflower- remove the stalk and outer leaves then break up into small florets (roughly the size of your fingertip).

3. Grate the cheddar cheese and place to one side.

4. Weigh the macaroni and carefully place into the boiling water.  Cook for 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook for a further 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain (ensure to keep cooking liquid for the sauce).

5. In a mixing bowl combine the breadcrumbs, herbs & garlic and rub together using your fingertips.

6. Place the macaroni and cauliflower into the oven proof dish. Add the required cooking water, crème fraiche and grated cheese, using a spoon combine. Season to taste and add more cooking liquid if required.

7. Level the mixture and top with the breadcrumbs. 

8. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Remove and serve. 

Remember, there's one key rule with Charity Chomp... if you think it's delicious, donate!  

Click HERE to support Caring Cooks.  

This article first featured on the Bailiwick Wellbeing, your weekly guide to wellness in work and island life, delivered FREE to your inbox every week. Sign up now here.