Mac & Cheese: The Perfect Sympathy Meal
In times of sorrow and need, there is a culinary embrace that extends far beyond the bounds of its humble ingredients. Macaroni and cheese, the epitome of comfort food, possesses a unique ability to console, warm, and uplift. It's not just a dish; it's a gesture of empathy, a symbol of care. Let's explore why mac and cheese makes the perfect sympathy meal, offering solace and nourishment when it's needed most.
1. A Warm Hug in Every Bite:
The very essence of mac and cheese can be likened to a warm, comforting hug. The creamy, cheese-laden sauce clings to tender macaroni, cradling the taste buds in a cocoon of rich, savory goodness. In times of sadness, a plate of mac and cheese can provide a sense of physical and emotional warmth that feels like a reassuring embrace.
2. Familiarity and Nostalgia:
Mac and cheese is a dish deeply rooted in our childhoods and cherished memories. It evokes feelings of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times when a bowl of cheesy pasta could chase away even the darkest of clouds. Sharing a dish with such strong nostalgic ties can help bridge the gap between grief and comfort.
3. Easy to Prepare, Easy to Share:
One of the most practical aspects of mac and cheese as a sympathy meal is its simplicity. Preparing a batch of mac and cheese requires minimal effort and time, which is crucial when supporting someone in distress. It allows you to focus on what truly matters: being there for your loved one. Plus, it's easy to transport and share with others, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or meal deliveries.
4. Versatility for All Tastes:
Mac and cheese is a versatile canvas for creativity. Whether you prefer classic cheddar, a gourmet blend of artisan cheeses, or a plant-based alternative, you can tailor this dish to suit anyone's dietary preferences or restrictions. Toppings like crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or sautéed vegetables add personal touches that can be customized to bring a smile to someone's face.
5. A Nourishing Escape:
Comfort food serves more than just emotional solace; it provides essential nourishment when appetite may be lacking. The combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in mac and cheese offers a comforting balance, ensuring that your loved one receives the sustenance needed during challenging times.
6. Encouragement for Self-Care:
Offering a plate of mac and cheese is not only about providing immediate comfort but also a gentle nudge towards self-care. Encouraging someone to take a moment for themselves, to savor a warm meal, can be an act of kindness that helps them recharge and heal.
7. A Reminder of Support:
When you serve mac and cheese as a sympathy meal, you're sending a powerful message of support and love. It's a tangible way to say, "I'm here for you, and I care." The act of sharing food is a time-honored tradition that transcends language, expressing empathy in a universal manner.
In times of grief and sorrow, the simple act of sharing a plate of mac and cheese can provide a comforting balm for the soul. It offers not only nourishment but also a reminder that they are not alone in their journey through sadness. So, whether you're preparing it from scratch, ordering from a local eatery, or sharing a cherished family recipe, mac and cheese can be a perfect, heartfelt sympathy meal that wraps your loved ones in warmth, love, and the promise of better days ahead. Bon appétit, indeed.
Ingredients
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 cup unsweetened non dairy milk (1/4 of this will be mixed with arrowroot or cornstarch)
1 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
4 tablspoon vegan butter or olive oil
1 cup nutritional yeast, plus more to taste
3 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
1/2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon or apple cider vinegar
1/2 pound elbow pasta or macaroni noodles
2 cup mashed sweet potato (from 2 baked Sweet Potatoes)
Directions
To bake sweet potatoes you will need to line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Don't skip this step unless you want to scrub the be-jesus outta your pan. When the potatoes bake they ooze out their natural sugar onto the pan, the parchment helps clean-up. Poke a few holes in the potatoes with a fork and then lightly run with oil. Bake for one hour at 375 F°
Preheat oven to 375F°
Place garlic cloves on a small sheet on aluminum foil, and drizzle olive oil on top. Fold sides of foil over on garlic and place on baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes until soft. You can do this while you're working on other ingredients. PS don't be afraid to use a couple more cloves, I'm always pro garlic!
In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 C milk with arrowroot or cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve any clumps and set aside.
In medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 C milk, nutritional yeast, mustard, onion powder, salt, and lemon juice. Next add the milk-arrowroot powder mixture, stirring well as it thickens. Once thick, remove the pan from heat.
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it in a colander and place in a deep baking dish to cool.
Transfer sauce to a blender and add the mashed sweet potato and roasted garlic. Puree until super smooth and season to taste with more nutritional yeast and salt. It should be pretty salty to balance the pasta
Pour the "cheese" sauce over the pasta and stir well. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes or until warmed.
Notes on the Recipe
This recipe is from Sweet Potato Soul which is one of my favorite vegan food blogs around. I have another version that is equally yummy where instead of baking the potatoes you boil them if you are not feeling the one hour prep time. I will add a link to that recipe soon! If you feel like getting fancy with this you can do an herb infusion with the butter in step 3. When you melt the butter add some sage and simmer for roughly 8 minutes to extract the flavor, then you can add the remaining ingredients to the mixture. I love doing butter infusions as it makes me feel "fancy", yeah I have a low bar for fanciness. Also the recipe calls for elbow pasta but I just use whatever we have in the house. Trader Joes makes some awesome Quinoa Pasta and Black Bean Pasta that is FAB with these mac and cheese sauces. Also, I do not notice a huge difference in the baked versus unbaked version of this so if you are short on time just pour the sauce on the pasta and enjoy!