Monday, February 22, 2010

Mac and Cheese of Olympians!

Why do I call this Mac and Cheese of Olympians? Because it's part of my Olympics Menu and because it has spinach! If it makes Popeye strong imagine what it does for Olympians! No patience or time to make homemade mac and cheese? KD fans - add veggies to your KD! Kids don't like spinach? Try a can of tomatoes, some chopped broccoli or cauliflower. Even peas will do! At least it will get the kids used to seeing some colourful veggies in their Mac and Cheese. I love one dish meals, so by adding veggies dinner is done. Easy!

Mac and Cheese of Olympians

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 - 1 lb dried pasta, I used Scooby Doo pasta.
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 c shredded cheese, I used old cheddar and white cheddar
  • 1 pkg chopped spinach, DO NOT Drain
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp each, Dijon and Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 c shredded cheddar for top

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain but don't rinse!
  2. Preheat oven to 350
  3. In the same big pot you used to cook the pasta, melt the butter over medium high heat
  4. Add the onions and saute until soft
  5. Add the flour and whisk until blended
  6. Slowly add milk and continue whisking until blended and thickened, reduce heat to medium
  7. Add 1/2 c of the cheese and whisk until melted, continue adding 1/2 c at a time until it's all incorporated
  8. Stir in the Dijon, Worcestershire sauce and nutmeg
  9. Fold in the spinach and then the pasta
  10. Pour the mixture into casserole dishes. I like individual casseroles as they freeze quickly and defrost quickly. But if you have a big family one big casserole will do!
  11. Top with bread crumbs and cheese
  12. Bake for 20 -30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Cheers! Back to the games!

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