Kids playing in living room

Creamy Carrot Mac and Cheese

October 2, 2024 Recipes

Oooey-gooey cheesy goodness AND there’s even a veggie?! This recipe is perfect for parents with little ones and makes for great leftovers too.

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Ingredients:

  • 3 cups shredded carrots
  • ½ cup water
  • 5 tablespoons orange juice
  • 3 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, but leave a little water in the saucepan. Set pasta aside.
Mom and toddler looking under sofa
  • Using the same saucepan used to cook pasta, add carrots, ¼ cup water, and orange juice. Cook on high heat until water comes to a boil.
  • Cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until carrots are very soft. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  • Puree the carrot mixture in a blender until smooth, adding ¼ cup water at a time until desired thickness.
  • Combine the pasta and carrot mixture in the saucepan. Stir in cheese and cook over medium heat until completely melted.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Tip!
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Cook once, eat at least twice by doubling this recipe and freezing half. Reheat the frozen portion on a day when you’re short on time or energy to cook.

Mom and toddler looking under sofa
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A note on “hiding” or “sneaking in” veggies

Many recipes, just like this one, use vegetables that are shredded, minced, or blended into the dish. This can add flavor, texture, and nutrients. Your child may not notice vegetables are in there, which is okay, but this is different than purposefully “hiding” vegetables in a dish to trick them into eating them. “Hiding” or “sneaking in” vegetables without letting your child know is not recommended and can backfire. It’s best to be honest with your child about what is in the foods they’re being offered. Your child will learn to trust you, which helps create a positive feeding relationship.

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Nutrition Info:

Servings: 4

Per Serving:

  • Calories 382 kcal
  • Carbohydrate 69 g
  • Protein 19 g
  • Total Fat 7 g
  • Saturated Fat 4 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Cholesterol 15 mg
  • Fiber 8 g
  • Total Sugar 8 g
  • Sodium 284 mg
  • Calcium 251 mg
  • Folate 47 mcg
  • Iron 3 mg

REFERENCES:

Adapted from:
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94037/Maricopa-WIC-Cookbook—English?bidId=

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position