This was inspired by my friend Dan's family recipe. While working for Whole Foods Market in New York I was looking for a dish utilizing boxed mac and cheese. Everyone who tastes it loves how easy and comforting it is.

Serves 4

• 1 Twelve ounce box 365 Organic Macaroni & Cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard - prepared or dry
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1/2 of a 16 ounce bag 365 Organic frozen peas & carrots
• 1/2 pound ham, cut into 1/4" dice
• Topping
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons olive or grapeseed oil, plus extra for the baking dish - try a roasted garlic infused oil for extra flavor

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 8x12" baking dish by brushing with a thin coat of oil. Cook the mac and cheese according to box instructions, adding the mustard, garlic and minced onion to the sauce. After adding the cooked pasta to the prepared sauce, stir in the frozen peas & carrots and ham. Pour into the prepared baking dish. For the topping, combine all ingredients in a small bowl to distribute the oil and thyme evenly. Sprinkle on top of the macaroni & cheese and bake until the topping is golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.