From Scratch Mac and Cheese with optional Garden Veggies

Seriously, homemade from scratch mac and cheese is SO easy. It takes more time to grate the cheese and cook the pasta than it does to make the cheese sauce.
Easy Mac and Cheese
Adapted from a Cooks Illustrated recipe (Everyday Lighter Macaroni and Cheese)
8 oz of pasta of your choice (I used shells)
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
3/4 cup milk (I used 2 percent) DIVIDED
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
A pinch of garlic powder (I left this out as the borsin cheese was flavored)
½ tsp table salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste - optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces cheese of your choice, or a blend (I used 5 oz of sharp cheddar and 3 oz of Boursin)
1 to 2 cups vegetable of your choice - optional (I used a mix of kale and Chinese sprouting broccoli)
1 cup bread crumbs tossed in 2 tbsp melted butter (optional)
1. Cook pasta of choice according to package directions. Don’t forget to salt your pasta water. If adding vegetables, cook them in the pasta water during the last few minutes your pasta is cooking. Drain and hold until your cheese sauce is ready.
2. Add the evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of the milk, mustard, garlic powder (if using), cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the now-empty saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup milk together, then whisk it into the simmering mixture. Stir until the sauce has thickened and is smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Off the heat or on a very low simmer, gradually whisk in the cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the pasta (and veg if using). Eat now, or bake (see below)
4. If baking your mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Pour your pasta/cheese mixture into a 3 quart casserole dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bread crumbs start taking on some toasted color.

[@lisapop5219]

I'm here for the optional garden veggies. I'm up to my eyeballs in summer squash. Chilies too. (I'm in Georgia). I never thought about adding veggies.