At least once a week, we like to have the kids help with dinner. Since they will be doing most of the cooking, the usually let them pick what they want to make and then offer suggestions on ways to make it better. Once of the current favorites in our house is summer vegetable macaroni and cheese.

The macaroni and cheese starts with Annie’s Homegrown Organic Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. The kids absolutely love it on its own and I love that it is certified organic. Annie Withey co-founded Annie’s Homegrown, Inc. with Andrew Martin in 1989 with the goal of giving families healthy and delicious macaroni and cheese and to show by example that a successful business can also be socially responsible. Nearly thirty years after its founding, the values that Annie started with still guide the company every day and they only source ingredients from places and people they trust. 

Many time, we eat the macaroni and cheese just as it is but I love letting the kids add in delicious ingredients like summer vegetable or Italian sausage. The macaroni and cheese can be made in one pot which makes clean up a snap. 

Summer Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese:

1 box Annie’s Homegrown Organic Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp milk
1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced
4-6 Brussels sprouts, chopped
1 cup ground Italian sausage, cooked (optional)

Let’s Make It:

1. Bring a pot of 8 cups of water to boil over high heat. Add shells from macaroni and cheese. Stir and cook for 8 minutes. Add zucchini and Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Drain well. 

2. While the shells drain, combine the butter and milk in the pot over low heat. Stir until butter is melted. Stir in cheese powder and mix well. Return noodles and vegetables to the pan. Stir in Italian sausage if using.

Last time H cooked us this for dinner, I took a little video to show how easy it is for kids to get involved in the kitchen! (Disclaimer: she likes to the make the sauce while the pasta cooks so we use two pans)

Next time you are at the store, grab a box of Annie’s Homegrown Organic Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese to try with you family! Annie’s also offers a TON of family friendly products that go great in lunches too. Check out their lunchbox ideas for healthy and delicious lunches the whole family will enjoy.