To be a kid again… wouldn't we all love to be carefree, play all day, take naps and eat whatever we want? You can have a small sliver of that dream with Annie's Homegrown Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Mac & Cheese.

One of my fondest memories growing up was when Dad would make my brother and I hot dogs, pork and beans and the blue box mac-n-cheese on summer afternoons on Saturdays. Note that Dad made these foods because of the ease of making them-- boiled hot dogs, an opened can of beans and a box of mac-n-cheese. Yet, those were comfort foods for us. They still are for me, at thirty-one years old, even though now I have to eat gluten free.

Sometimes it feels like a Saturday afternoon (or you want it to feel like Saturday afternoon) and you want the combination of good food, comfort and ease. That's where Annie's Homegrown Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Mac & Cheese comes in. It's the gluten free, amped up version of the old fashioned blue box! Annie's is made with rice pasta, and in my opinion is one of the best types of gluten free pastas on the market. When cooked, it tastes and feels like regular pasta. It isn't hard, it isn't mushy, it doesn't stick together, or fall apart into crumbs . It's really perfect! You cook this pasta just like the old blue box variety. For that kid in you (or for the real kids out there), to open the box, push on the perforated bunny tail on the side of the box (very cute!), boil up the pasta according to the cooking directions and strain. One thing to remember about some gluten free pastas- and in particular rice pasta- it does have to be stirred frequently. Sometimes a starchy film begins to form on top of the water and along the sides of the pot. It goes away with stirring, but can be alarming to first time chefs. Finally, add the butter, milk and that nostalgic powdered cheese. Mix it together for that creamy, 100 % cheesy goodness and serve.

I'd like to say I eat Annie's Homegrown Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Mac & Cheese as a side to hot dogs and beans still, but when I'd like to be a kid again for little while and am looking for some comfort food, Annie's Mac & Cheese fills my bowl. Of course, Annie's could very easily complement any dinner entree or backyard BBQ. While my 32 year old boyfriend (who doesn't need to eat gluten free) asks for Annie's and especially likes to push the bunny tail, I would save these special boxes for just yourself or significant others. The cost of feeding everyone at your BBQ with Annie's might lighten your wallet a bit.

Other notes and added pluses that some people really look for--- this product is vegetarian. It is also has no artificial flavors, synthetic colors or preservatives. Annie's Homegrown products prides themselves on being organic and natural. Additionally, the cheese from the cows is not treated with any growth hormones.

Happy Eating!

5 stars