Macaroni & Cheese: Two Versions

For those of us who are still working from home. They are quick and easy - my kind of cooking. We bring them to you with thanks to Allison. -Editor's note.

I have become a huge fan of Banza Mac & Cheeses. I think it’s a polarizing brand, as most folks do not enjoy the taste and/or texture of chickpea pasta. I eat gluten – a lot of it! – but I enjoy the slightly nutty flavor of the pasta and the cheese sauce is some of the best I’ve ever had from a boxed mac & cheese! I always have at least four boxes of these in my party at any given time so I’m ready to go.

MAC & CHEESE WITH TRUFF BLACK TRUFFLE MAYO
I always split my boxed mac & cheeses into two servings. For the first, after combining the pasta & cheese, I stir in an healthy dollop of the black truffle mayo It adds an incredible depth of flavor. I love to serve it with a simple side salad, because – as food content creators have been saying with tongue–in–cheek for years – BALANCE.

MAC & CHEESE WITH SAUTÉED RED BELL PEPPER & TOMATOES
For my second serving, I’ll reconstitute my mac & cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk and a small pat of butter while lightly sautéing some red bell pepper and quartered grape tomatoes on the side. I’ll add the pepper into my mac & cheese and occasionally hit it with an extra dose of cheese from my fridge; a nice 4-cheese Mexican blend is always a winner here!