Sloppy Joes and Macaroni and Cheese

This has to be an American household staple and what kid doesn't love a sloppy Joe and Mac and cheese?!!

1 package morning star meat crumbles (or 1 pound ground meat of choice)
1 red bell pepper diced
1 yellow onion diced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon basalmic vinegar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
6-8 sandwich buns of choice toasted

1 box whole wheat penne pasta
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon yellow onion minced (you can use it from the onion for the sloppy joes)
2 cups shredder cheese of choice
2 cups milk (I use skim)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)


Start to prepare the pasta according to the directions on the box. Mix the sauce together in a bowl and set aside. Dice the vegetables and parsley and set aside. Melt the butter in a preheated sauce pan over medium heat and add the flour. Whisk to combine add the onion and let bubble for a minute or two to cook the flour taste out then whisk in the milk and add the salt and pepper and what ever flavor you want. Let this come to a slight bubble whisking VERY often so the milk doesn't burn to the bottom. Once the sauce gets thick enough to cost the back of a spoon take it off the heat and add the cheese. While the sauce is cooking add the bell pepper and onion to a preheated 10 inch skillet over medium high heat with about a tablespoon of olive oil then add the meat crumbles (if using real meat add it in with the vegetables then drain off any fat) add salt and pepper to taste maybe a dash of garlic powder. Let this cook until the onions and peppers become tender then add the sauce. Take it off the heat and add the parsley. While this mixture is cooking drain the pasta and stir in the cheese sauce. I steamed some broccoli in the microwave to have a little green on the plate and serve this delicious dish to your adoring fans gathered around the dinning table awaiting their next amazing meal. This is a real crowd pleaser and will score some serious mom points for taste and messiness. Oh yea don't forget the napkins! For more on this recipe and others feel free to email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com