Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Almond Breeze

Ingredients and Weight:

• Butternut Squash - 500 grams (about 1 pound)
• Elbow Macaroni - 250 grams (9 ounces)
• Almond Breeze - 1 cup
• Cheddar Cheese - 150 grams (5.3 ounces)
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Salt and Pepper - to taste
• Breadcrumbs - 50 grams (1.8 ounces) for topping (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of water with salt until cooked through but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Peel and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Steam or boil until tender.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the cooked butternut squash, almond breeze, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
5. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs (if using).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams
• Protein: 15-20 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich, with a slight nutty flavor from the almond breeze.
• The butternut squash adds a sweet and natural flavor to the traditional mac and cheese.
• A perfect blend of American comfort food with a healthy twist.

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of butternut squash and mac and cheese! The almond breeze added a unique, creamy texture."
2. "This dish was a hit with my family. The butternut squash gave it a nice, sweet flavor."
3. "I was skeptical about the almond breeze, but it really worked well in this dish, adding a rich, creamy texture."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the macaroni to the right texture, as overcooked macaroni can become mushy.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, as everyone has different preferences for saltiness and cheese flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable-based breadcrumbs for topping.