📖 Instructions

1. First, let's get the oven going. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the kale gets nice and crispy.
2. While the oven heats up, prepare the kale. Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. No one wants big, stringy kale!
3. Now, toss the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of black pepper. Make sure the kale is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
4. Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the kale will steam instead of crisping.
5. Bake the kale for 10-12 minutes, or until it's crispy but not burnt. Keep a close eye on it because kale can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
6. While the kale is baking, let's get started on the mac and cheese sauce. Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes. This will soften them up for a creamy sauce.
7. Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
8. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to make sure everything is well combined.
9. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. If its still to thick add water one tsp at a time, blending until smooth.
10. Now, cook the pasta according to the package directions. I prefer using elbow macaroni, but any short pasta shape will work. Cook the pasta al dente because it will continue to cook in the sauce.
11. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
12. In the large pot you used for the pasta, pour in the cashew sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
13. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until everything is well coated. Make sure every noodle is covered in that delicious cheesy sauce!
14. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast to suit your taste. Make it your own!
15. Finally, top the mac and cheese with the crispy kale. Serve immediately and enjoy! The contrast of the creamy mac and cheese with the crispy kale is simply divine.