Skinny Cauliflower Mac And Cheese

I made some minor modifications to this "Skinny Cauliflower Mac and Cheese," from the "Damn Delicious" blog, only because of what was in my fridge/cupboard. I used medium shells rather than cavatappi. I didn't have half-and-half (I have always been a little fuzzy on what half-and-half is, actually) so I did half cream, half skim milk. I added maybe half a cup of frozen peas to the boiling pasta along with the cauliflower, because Emma loves peas. And I substituted Gruyure for the cheddar because GRU-YES, amIright?

It is very hard to take a picture of yourself grating cheese, as it turns out. These were my best efforts. I feel somehow squeamish about the larger-than-life image of my thumb. It seems weirdly personal.

The finished product was terrific, and having made it several times before, I can assure you that it is also terrific when made precisely according to the recipe.