Fifty-Two Dinners

One new recipe a week for a year. That was the original goal set as a New Year's resolution way back in 2009.

It didn't happen. Nor did it happen in the following years.

But I have continued posting and striving to try one new recipe a week. Some months it happens. Some months it doesn't.

And along the way I've picked up readers from across the country who occasionally pop in to see what's cooking.

Clearly there are better food blogs than mine.

But if you're looking for quick, easy, and healthy with a dash of humor... I'm glad to share what I can.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Maccaroni and Trees

File this recipe under "sneaky mommy... mommy and daddy like it better than the kids they were trying to entice to eat healthy."

We both devoured this dish that was intended to get the kids to eat their broccoli.

INGREDIENTS

1 box (16 oz) elbow pasta
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth (I used stock... because that was in the fridge at the time)
2 tsp flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed American cheese (like the giant block of velveeta)

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta according to directions (in a pan much larger than you think you need).  During last 2 minutes of cooking toss in broccoli.  Drain and return to pan, covering to keep warm.

Meanwhile whisk together the broth, milk & flour over medium heat.  When thickened a bit and the cheese, cooking and stirring constantly until melted.

Toss together.

VERDICT

Best.  Maccaroni and Cheese.  Ever.  Ever, Ever.  This is so creamy and rich... and the broccoli is so smothered by cheese you wouldn't even know you were getting a full serving of vegetables!

The kids weren't so impressed.  My daughter refused to eat it.  My son picked out the broccoli and only ate those (what???  he ate the broccoli but not the mac & cheese??  I kid you not!)

For my husband and I, this is one comfort recipe we'll be making again... without the pretension of trying to make it as a healthy kids dinner.

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