I'm making Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese for my niece's birthay dinner

[LoveMyCali]

I said she could choose from a few options but barely got pumkin mac out of my mouth before she said that's what she wants. My problem ... what to serve with it, there will probably be 8 people there and I don't want to spend a ton of money. Also my niece doesn't eat beef or pork.

I was considering chicken pot pie soup with cheese biscuits (carb overload with mac & cheese?)

Any other suggestions?

[2theleft]

1. No suggestions, but would love the recipe...

for the pumpkin mac & cheese...two of my most favorite things, but never had them together!!!

On second thought, to serve with...chicken breast and a veggie? Something simple so the mac & cheese is the star? I would be perfectly happy with just the mac & cheese and a veggie side of broccoli of roasted brussel sprouts or asparagus, but that's just me. I do eat meat, but with a big carb side, prefer just to complement with veggies and have the mac as the main dish.

[LoveMyCali]

2. I was considering just a veggie

Broccoli would be good, and a tossed green salad. Chicken also crossed my mind because she loves when I make roast chicken and invite her over for dinner.

This is the recipe I use for the pumpkin mac & cheese, but I ususally use a little less rosemary

http://www.pbs.org/food/fresh-tastes/pumpkin-mac-and-cheese/

[sir pball]

4. Veggie/salad, lightness, sounds much better than more heavy food.

Mac and cheese is rich, creamy, unctuous - adding in more dense, weighty soups and biscuits would be skirting with excess. I'd go with some kind of vegetable or salad that can be dressed with something sharp, acidic, bright...my first reaction is citrus instead of vinegar; the salad with a citronette, or steamed asparagus with olive oil, black pepper and lemon zest. Though, spinach sauteed with a splash of sherry vinegar, raisins plumped in sherry, and some toasted Marcona almonds is also great.

[LoveMyCali]

5. Spinach was one of my thoughts too

Just sauteed in olive oil with a little garlic.

[sir pball]

7. If you haven't tried it with the additions, I'd highly recommend it

It's a traditional Catalan recipe, fast become one of my favorite ways to do it. It doesn't really overpower the spinach, just adds a lot of interesting texture and flavor.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

3. Pumpkin mac and cheese sounds really nasty to me

But then, I loathe pumpkin.

[LoveMyCali]

6. I've made it for other family functions and it was a big hit

but I love all things pumpkin.