The twins spend every weekend with Chris. When I first met Chris, we never saw each other on the weekends, because this was his time with his kids. One Sunday, however, after almost a year of dating, he told me to meet him at Starbucks, and when I got there, he had brought the twins. He introduced me as his friend and told them he was surprised to have run into me there. I began hanging with the twins, not as their dad's girlfriend (because as far as they knew, I was just his friend), but as their friend. We watched movies, played video games, went on bike rides, and soon, they were begging Chris to let me spend the night with them. So the twins and I would have slumber parties. These slumber parties were my first look into what Chris would make them for dinner. It was the same every Saturday: Prepackaged cheese tortellini, heated, and sprayed with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray, with a side of microwaved, canned green beans.
I observed this for awhile, and even helped prepare their ritual dinner, until I tried to switch it up and make it a little healthier. I tried different things each week: Grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, frozen "chicken" nuggets and corn "dogs," but their favorite remained the tortellini with butter. As they got older, they began to inform us of other things they had begun to like. One day, Max informed me that they were really into creamy pasta (pasta with alfredo sauce). So I started making them a pasta with Trader Joe's alfredo sauce, which became their ultimate favorite weekend dinner.
When we became vegan, one of the first things I had to veganize was their favorite dinner. There has been several variations (none of which were an actual vegan alfredo sauce, just creamy sauces to go on their pasta), but this is the version that went over the best. I discussed recently Sophia's decision to learn to cook so she could be vegan during the week as well, so it seemed pretty appropriate that I teach her their favorite pasta. She was quite surprised at how easy it was to do, and I loved watching her whisk the creamy sauce as it thickened. Sophia was also pleased to learn that she could make a big batch of this and eat the leftovers over the course of a few days, or freeze some for later.
I'm not sure if it was my cooking or if it was staying up until 1 in the morning the night before Easter to see if we could spot the Easter Bunny, but after a couple months of our slumber parties, the twins told Chris that he should probably make me his girlfriend. He was more than happy to oblige.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. vegan pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (I used the one mentioned here)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond milk (or vegan milk of choice)
- 3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a dash of sea salt, then add the pasta and stir to un-clump. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until “al dente”. Drain the water from the pasta and set aside.
- While the water for the pasta is still coming to a boil, you can prepare the sauce. In a pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, add the flour and use a whisk to stir frequently until you have a golden brown paste, about 3-4 minutes. Add the milk and bring to a boil, continuing to whisk occasionally. Once the milk is boiling, lower to a simmer, and continue to whisk occasionally so that the sauce does not stick to the pot. Let the milk simmer until it has reduced by almost half. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined. Add the nutritional yeast and stir until combined. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and toss until fully combined. Serve warm and enjoy! This can be refrigerated in an airtight container and kept for 3-4 days. Enjoy!
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Photography by Chris Miller
Caitlin
that is such a sweet story!! i love that you became their friend and created such a strong bond so they were the ones who kind of decided you needed to be part of the family, rather than chris telling them so. (longest run on sentence ever!)
and this alfredo DOES look easy! yay for sophia continuing on her path to veganism. she'll be a pro in no time!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Caitlin! I'm so happy things worked out the way they did. It was the greatest phone call ever when Chris called to tell me that the twins thought I should be his girlfriend. They are just too great. 🙂
Sandi
As a second wife, I am so touched by this charming story! (My husband proposed after two months, and his kids live out of town, so I didn't get this experience! lol) I can see why this version would be a hit with the kids...cream cheesy! Keep doing what you are doing; my stepkids realize I'm a good cook and I get cooking/health/shopping questions all the time! Best wishes!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Sandi! Your comment really means so much to me- There is something about being a second wife that not every one can totally understand. I'm so happy that your stepkids have connected to you as well! 🙂
Ashlae | oh, ladycakes
This sauce sounds great. I haven't had alfredo in AGES, but it used to be one of my favorite foods - so I've got to try this recipe. It's going to cool down tomorrow night, so I know EXACTLY what I'm making for dinner. I may even throw in a little broccoli 😉
PS - adorable story about the twins. So sweet that they're just crazy about you!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Ashlae! Broccoli would be so good with this! The twins are still at the "I-don't-like-cooked-vegetables" stage, let alone mixing said cooked vegetables with other foods. Some day, I hope... 🙂
I hope you enjoy the pasta!
Andrea
What a wonderful story. I admit I'm a sucker for a sweet tale, but it brought tears to my eyes. I love the kind way you were brought into the family and "adopted" by the kids. You and Chris sound like a special pair.
I'm still trying to introduce a healthy vegan alternative to the mac'n cheese my 4-year-old granddaughter loves, but no far she hasn't been thrilled with my versions. Maybe she'd like yours. 🙂
keepinitkind
Aw! Now you're going to make me cry, Andrea! Thank you for your sweet words.
Children's tastebuds are interesting things to try to please. Dreena Burton says that kids like what they know and I couldn't agree more. At first, the twins were apprehensive about trying vegan food, and literally spit tofu back onto their plates after one bite. Now they love it. It think it's all about being persistent. Your granddaughter is very lucky to have such a good, healthy influence so early in her life! I think it will rub off on her, eventually. 🙂
Richa`
That is such a sweet story. So awesome that you all took the time to naturally gel together!:) Hugs!
My husbands family thought I was part American first and were hesitant about the marriage(love marriages are still a bit difficult back home). but during our stay and wedding, things just started to fall into place because of his sweet sister and sister in law.
keepinitkind
Wow! I am always so intrigued with families and the way they regard certain traditions so highly. I can totally understand how once they got to know you, it was hard not to fall in love with you! I'm so happy things fell into place the way the needed to. I suppose things always do fall into place, just as they should (though it's not always apparent at the time). 🙂
Richa`
yup. it definitely takes time and patience. its amazing the way you took the time to let the twins bring you in. It can get stressful very quickly. i am so happy for you and chris and the twins and everyone!:)
Annie
It sounds to me as if you and Chris handled what could be a very touchy situation with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. How could the twins not fall in love with you??
keepinitkind
Thank you, Annie. 🙂
Heather
Awww that is the sweetest story ever!
And the twins,they have good taste- this vegan alfredo looks ah-maz-ing! I cannot wait to try it, it is super simple too!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Heather! I think it's a pretty sweet story too. And the pasta is super simple because I wanted it to be something Sophie could do on her own when she wants. 🙂
heather
Just made this tonight using spinach chi's fettucini with arugula and tomatoes - so good & super easy, love it!
keepinitkind
You totally just made my day, Heather! Thank you so much for telling me! Hope you're having a fantastic weekend! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Your stories about the twins always warm my heart but I think this was my absolute favourite! You have such a special relationship with them and I'm so glad you decided to share that!
What a lovely though, to recreate their favourite dish! It sounds oh so creamy and delicious!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Gabby! I'm glad my twin stories aren't getting boring. 🙂
I'm glad you like the pasta- though it's not really my kind of dish, the twins LOVE it.
veganfling
I love your kid-friendly recipes so much! I think it's great that you are passing along your cooking skills to a willing student. 🙂 Also, this pasta looks really tasty!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Melissa! I love passing on my "cooking skills"- it reminds me of when my grandma taught me to cook. 🙂
Cadry
What a sweet story! That was so smart of Chris to take a cautious, slow start with the twins and then to allow them to get to know you on their terms. They were allowed to "choose you."
Katie (Lemon Jitters)
I love easy pastas! And sweet stories. 🙂
keepinitkind
Me too! Thanks, Katie! 🙂
Melissa
What a sweet story! I'm pretty certain that when I was growing up my favorite dish was pasta with butter. Sounds like they adore you!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Melissa! I totally adore them too! 🙂