Macaroni cheese with broccoli and cauliflower

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Steam the broccoli and cauliflower until tender but still firm, cut into small pieces and set aside.
2. Put the macaroni (between 75-100g) in a saucepan of boiling water and simmer until cooked for eight minutes, or according to packet instructions.
3. While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour, till it starts to bubble slightly. Add the bay leaf, turn up and heat and pour in a quarter of the milk, stirring all the time. As the sauce start to thicken, add more milk, stirring 
4.  all the while, repeating until milk is all used up. Then stir in the grated cheddar cheese and mustard powder.
5. Drain the pasta well, mix with the cheese sauce and steamed vegetables.
6. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese (to cover), and put in an oven-proof dish. Place in oven for around 25 minutes, until top turns golden-brown. Chop to the right size for your baby before serving.

Hints and tips

Try adding different veg to macaroni cheese to give it a new, healthy twist – you could also use steamed carrots and sliced courgettes or chopped, roasted peppers. It's a great way to help little ones get their five-a-day.

Age suitability

9 months

Meal Type

Lunch

Preparation time

Under 20 minutes