Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (since not everyone loves tacos). Today's double post includes a yummy Ham and Pepper Frittata and Salsa Verde Rice and Chicken Bowls. Enjoy!
BARBECUE COWBOY PINTO BEANS (SLOW COOKER)
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
16 oz package dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
4 cups hot water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 Tbs chili powder
3/4 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tbs prepared yellow mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce
In crock pot, mix together the beans, hot water, onions, and chili powder. Cover and cook on low heat setting about 7 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.
Drain off all cooking liquid. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Tabasco sauce. Cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes longer, until heated through.
CREAMY PINEAPPLE ORANGE REFRESHER PUNCH
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 - 46 oz. can of pineapple juice
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
1 quart orange sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
Directions
In a punch bowl, place the vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet. Slowly add and stir in pineapple juice and then ginger ale.
SALSA VERDE RICE AND CHICKEN BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Chicken tonight? Give it a glow-up with this salsa verde rice twist. Start by stirring in Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce and green chiles to cooked rice before adding in a scoop of shredded rotisserie chicken. Everyone can sprinkle in their favorite taco fixings to make this chicken rice bowl recipe a hassle-free, flavorful success."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-rice-and-chicken-bowls.
Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 cup water
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups chopped deli rotisserie chicken
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
1/4 cup water
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation
In 1 to 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat uncooked rice and 1 cup water to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Stir in sauce and green chiles; cover and keep warm.
In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is heated through. Remove from heat.
To assemble, divide rice and chicken mixtures among warm tortilla bowls; top with cheese, tomatoes, cilantro and additional sauce, if desired.
Expert Tips
Precooked rice is available for purchase in the frozen section of the grocery store and is a convenient alternative to the cooked rice in this recipe. You may also use 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked rice, heated in microwave, before adding the sauce.
Deli rotisserie chicken makes these bowls quick and convenient!
Topping the bowls with your favorite salsa or fresh pico de gallo is a great alternative to the tomatoes and cilantro.
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
MAC AND CHEESE MUFFINS
This comes from Joy Bauer at TODAY. She wrote, "This lightened-up mac and cheese utilizes nutrient-rich legume pasta (made from chickpeas, lentils or black beans) because it contains about double the protein and triple the fiber compared to most standard noodles. I kick things up a few notches by baking it in a muffin tin to create portion-sized delights that are crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey cheesy on the inside."
This can be viewed online at https://www.today.com/recipes/mac-cheese-muffins-recipe-t155178.
Ingredients
One 14-ounce box elbow macaroni pasta (either chickpea, lentil, bean or whole-grain pasta)
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 to 5 drops hot sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
10 to 12 ounces (or 2 1/2 to 3 cups) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of the milk with the soy sauce, onion powder, nutmeg, dry mustard, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Place the mixture over medium heat, and cook until it comes to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl or cup, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup milk. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Return the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, discard the bay leaf and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and no lumps remain. Add the butter to the cheese sauce and stir until it is completely melted and combined. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is coated.
Liberally mist 1-2 standard muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Split the macaroni mixture among 20 muffin tins (about 1/4 cup mac and cheese in each). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the tops are slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes so the muffins have a chance to firm up before serving. After muffins have slightly cooled, carefully remove by loosening up the sides and enjoy.
JUMBO CHEESY ITALIAN MEATBALLS
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/jumbo-cheesy-italian-meatballs-2268948.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
3 1/2 cups torn stale Italian bread (about 1/4 loaf)
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1 small bunch parsley, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, grated
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 to 4 sprigs basil, plus chopped leaves for topping
Kosher salt
Ricotta cheese, for topping
Directions
Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Pulse the bread in a food processor to make coarse crumbs. Transfer to a small bowl, add the milk and set aside to soak. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl, then add the beef, parsley, parmesan, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes; mix with your hands to combine. Add the bread-milk mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Dampen your hands and shape the meat mixture into 4 large balls. Make an indentation in the center of each with your thumb and stuff with a mini mozzarella ball, then mold the meat around the cheese. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake until browned and firm, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic softens, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup water, the basil sprigs and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the sauce, spooning some of the sauce on top. Continue cooking, occasionally spooning the sauce over the meatballs, until tender and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Serve with ricotta and chopped basil.
You can form all of these meatballs a day ahead; cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Showing posts with label Mac and Cheese Muffins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mac and Cheese Muffins. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Macaroni and Cheese
One of the most iconic comfort foods (at least here in the U.S.) is Macaroni and Cheese. While the boxed mac and cheeses found on the grocery shelves are great for a quick-fix (or for anyone who loves the stuff for a quick comfort food fix), there's a lot to be said for homemade mac and cheese.
While we're on the subject, check out the Macroni and Cheese Song, sung by Allison on Shoe and Friends. It's geared towards kids, but sure to put a smile on your face. (We all could use something to smile about!)
Without any further chit-chat, here are six macaroni and cheese recipes, including Southern Macaroni and Cheese, Mac and Cheese Muffins, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese. Enjoy!
HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
I had been looking for a really simple but good homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, and this fits the bill. My daughter and granddaughter had come over on my granddaughter's birthday; while they were here, my daughter whipped up this recipe. She'd been making it for quite a while. It was a definite hit with everyone in the house.
Ingredients
1 box (16 ounce) cannelloni pasta (see Note)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Just about any tubular pasta can be used in this recipe, though it seems to work best with something bigger than elbow macaroni. Some of the better substitutes for the cannelloni would be ziti, penne, rigatoni, or elicoidali.
Directions
Turn oven on to 350 degrees.
Cook pasta according to package directions. If the package gives you a bracket – say, 12 – 14 minutes – lean toward the lower time, since you don't want the pasta to be too mushy. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter on low heat, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add milk and cook on medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat and add macaroni, stirring it into mixture. Add the shredded cheese, and stir in completely.
Pour mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan and bake at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove carefully, as it will be hot. (You knew that, right?) Dig in.
This makes 4 – 5 servings.
Photo: Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, on the left in the blue dish, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese, on right, in orange casserole dish (from Avon)
BENECOL MACARONI AND CHEESE
For several years, there was a magazine dedicated to walking, titled Walking Magazine. It had many good articles, tips and recipes for those of us who feel a little more comfortable race-walking than running. Unfortunately, the magazine folded several years ago. This recipe was in it during its final year. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. small shell style macaroni
4 Tbs. Benecol
3 Tbs. all purpose flour
3 Tbs. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 C 2% milk, warmed
few drops Tabasco Sauce
1-pint nonfat cottage (or ricotta) cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C flavored bread crumbs
1 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9 inch pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shells according to package directions, strain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
To prepare sauce, melt Benecol in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Quickly whisk in flour, add onions, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Tabasco Sauce and cook an additional minute. Whisk in cheese and salt, and blend in shells; transfer mixture to prepared pan.
In small bowl, mix oil and bread crumbs together; spoon over top of macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
Per Serving: 510 calories; 27.2% calories from fat; 3G saturated fat; 65G carbohydrates; 12MG cholesterol; 612MG sodium; 2G fiber
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
FRENCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Rebecca Franklin, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Rebecca wrote, "This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores. This dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, much less than a quarter of which is spent actively cooking. Use this French-style "mac and cheese" as an unexpected side dish on a dinner menu or as the focal point of a winter-themed mountain lodge party."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 1 bowl macaroni (6 servings)
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1375553.
Ingredients
16 ounces small macaroni
1 clove garlic (cut in half lengthwise)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/4 cups crème fraiche
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups Cantal cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 F.
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.
While the macaroni is boiling, rub the cut end of the garlic across the entire inner surface of a three-quart baking dish.
Brush the same surface with the melted butter.
Pour the drained macaroni into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the crème fraiche, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper into the pasta.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese over the surface of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly throughout and turns light golden brown on top.
Serve immediately.
MAC AND CHEESE MUFFINS
This comes from Joy Bauer at TODAY. She wrote, "This lightened-up mac and cheese utilizes nutrient-rich legume pasta (made from chickpeas, lentils or black beans) because it contains about double the protein and triple the fiber compared to most standard noodles. I kick things up a few notches by baking it in a muffin tin to create portion-sized delights that are crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey cheesy on the inside."
This can be viewed online at https://www.today.com/recipes/mac-cheese-muffins-recipe-t155178.
Ingredients
One 14-ounce box elbow macaroni pasta (either chickpea, lentil, bean or whole-grain pasta)
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 to 5 drops hot sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
10 to 12 ounces (or 2 1/2 to 3 cups) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of the milk with the soy sauce, onion powder, nutmeg, dry mustard, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Place the mixture over medium heat, and cook until it comes to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl or cup, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup milk. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Return the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, discard the bay leaf and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and no lumps remain. Add the butter to the cheese sauce and stir until it is completely melted and combined. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is coated.
Liberally mist 1-2 standard muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Split the macaroni mixture among 20 muffin tins (about 1/4 cup mac and cheese in each). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the tops are slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes so the muffins have a chance to firm up before serving. After muffins have slightly cooled, carefully remove by loosening up the sides and enjoy.
APPLE-CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Raise your hand if you like mac and cheese? And when it's teamed with apples, you'll want to raise both hands!” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 25 to 30 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups small diced, unpeeled, tart green or red apples
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups whole milk, lower fat milk can be substituted
1 small bay leaf
2 1/3 cup shredded sharp white or yellow Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon dry sherry (see second note)
Salt to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs can be substituted
Directions
Butter a 1 1/2-quart round casserole.
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and drain well. Return the pasta to the saucepan and add the apples.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the onions and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until tender. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until simmering gently. Add the bay leaf, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove and discard the bay leaf and then stir 2 cups of the cheese and the sherry into the milk. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts. Remove the pan from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and apples and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and the panko. Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or just until heated through and lightly browned. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Note: You can bake the mac and cheese in individual ramekins. Butter them and bake for about 15 minutes.
Note: If you’re like me and don’t have alcohol around the house, no worries. Omit the Sherry, or add 1/2 teaspoon of milk or water with the cheese.
Per Serving: 600 calories; 33 g fat; 20 g saturated fat; 100 mg cholesterol; 660 mg sodium; 48 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 27g protein
While we're on the subject, check out the Macroni and Cheese Song, sung by Allison on Shoe and Friends. It's geared towards kids, but sure to put a smile on your face. (We all could use something to smile about!)
Without any further chit-chat, here are six macaroni and cheese recipes, including Southern Macaroni and Cheese, Mac and Cheese Muffins, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese. Enjoy!
HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
I had been looking for a really simple but good homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, and this fits the bill. My daughter and granddaughter had come over on my granddaughter's birthday; while they were here, my daughter whipped up this recipe. She'd been making it for quite a while. It was a definite hit with everyone in the house.
Ingredients
1 box (16 ounce) cannelloni pasta (see Note)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Just about any tubular pasta can be used in this recipe, though it seems to work best with something bigger than elbow macaroni. Some of the better substitutes for the cannelloni would be ziti, penne, rigatoni, or elicoidali.
Directions
Turn oven on to 350 degrees.
Cook pasta according to package directions. If the package gives you a bracket – say, 12 – 14 minutes – lean toward the lower time, since you don't want the pasta to be too mushy. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter on low heat, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add milk and cook on medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat and add macaroni, stirring it into mixture. Add the shredded cheese, and stir in completely.
Pour mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan and bake at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove carefully, as it will be hot. (You knew that, right?) Dig in.
This makes 4 – 5 servings.
Photo: Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, on the left in the blue dish, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese, on right, in orange casserole dish (from Avon)
BENECOL MACARONI AND CHEESE
For several years, there was a magazine dedicated to walking, titled Walking Magazine. It had many good articles, tips and recipes for those of us who feel a little more comfortable race-walking than running. Unfortunately, the magazine folded several years ago. This recipe was in it during its final year. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. small shell style macaroni
4 Tbs. Benecol
3 Tbs. all purpose flour
3 Tbs. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 C 2% milk, warmed
few drops Tabasco Sauce
1-pint nonfat cottage (or ricotta) cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C flavored bread crumbs
1 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9 inch pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shells according to package directions, strain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
To prepare sauce, melt Benecol in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Quickly whisk in flour, add onions, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Tabasco Sauce and cook an additional minute. Whisk in cheese and salt, and blend in shells; transfer mixture to prepared pan.
In small bowl, mix oil and bread crumbs together; spoon over top of macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
Per Serving: 510 calories; 27.2% calories from fat; 3G saturated fat; 65G carbohydrates; 12MG cholesterol; 612MG sodium; 2G fiber
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
FRENCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Rebecca Franklin, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Rebecca wrote, "This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores. This dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, much less than a quarter of which is spent actively cooking. Use this French-style "mac and cheese" as an unexpected side dish on a dinner menu or as the focal point of a winter-themed mountain lodge party."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 1 bowl macaroni (6 servings)
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1375553.
Ingredients
16 ounces small macaroni
1 clove garlic (cut in half lengthwise)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/4 cups crème fraiche
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups Cantal cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 F.
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.
While the macaroni is boiling, rub the cut end of the garlic across the entire inner surface of a three-quart baking dish.
Brush the same surface with the melted butter.
Pour the drained macaroni into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the crème fraiche, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper into the pasta.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese over the surface of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly throughout and turns light golden brown on top.
Serve immediately.
MAC AND CHEESE MUFFINS
This comes from Joy Bauer at TODAY. She wrote, "This lightened-up mac and cheese utilizes nutrient-rich legume pasta (made from chickpeas, lentils or black beans) because it contains about double the protein and triple the fiber compared to most standard noodles. I kick things up a few notches by baking it in a muffin tin to create portion-sized delights that are crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey cheesy on the inside."
This can be viewed online at https://www.today.com/recipes/mac-cheese-muffins-recipe-t155178.
Ingredients
One 14-ounce box elbow macaroni pasta (either chickpea, lentil, bean or whole-grain pasta)
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 to 5 drops hot sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
10 to 12 ounces (or 2 1/2 to 3 cups) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of the milk with the soy sauce, onion powder, nutmeg, dry mustard, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Place the mixture over medium heat, and cook until it comes to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl or cup, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup milk. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Return the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, discard the bay leaf and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and no lumps remain. Add the butter to the cheese sauce and stir until it is completely melted and combined. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is coated.
Liberally mist 1-2 standard muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Split the macaroni mixture among 20 muffin tins (about 1/4 cup mac and cheese in each). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the tops are slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes so the muffins have a chance to firm up before serving. After muffins have slightly cooled, carefully remove by loosening up the sides and enjoy.
APPLE-CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Raise your hand if you like mac and cheese? And when it's teamed with apples, you'll want to raise both hands!” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 25 to 30 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups small diced, unpeeled, tart green or red apples
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups whole milk, lower fat milk can be substituted
1 small bay leaf
2 1/3 cup shredded sharp white or yellow Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon dry sherry (see second note)
Salt to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs can be substituted
Directions
Butter a 1 1/2-quart round casserole.
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and drain well. Return the pasta to the saucepan and add the apples.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the onions and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until tender. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until simmering gently. Add the bay leaf, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove and discard the bay leaf and then stir 2 cups of the cheese and the sherry into the milk. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts. Remove the pan from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and apples and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and the panko. Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or just until heated through and lightly browned. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Note: You can bake the mac and cheese in individual ramekins. Butter them and bake for about 15 minutes.
Note: If you’re like me and don’t have alcohol around the house, no worries. Omit the Sherry, or add 1/2 teaspoon of milk or water with the cheese.
Per Serving: 600 calories; 33 g fat; 20 g saturated fat; 100 mg cholesterol; 660 mg sodium; 48 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 27g protein
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