Whole-Wheat Mac-n-Cheese for the Family

I got a new cookbook today called Yum-o! The Family Cookbook by Rachel Ray. This recipe is from that cookbook. We had it for dinner and it is pretty yum-o!



Whole-Wheat Mac-n-Cheese for the Family

2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used honey mustard)
1 pound whole-wheat pasta, cooked al-dente and drained
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets and steamed until almost tender, 6 to 7 minutes

In a sauce pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat, add the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken stock and milk. Thicken the sauce for 5 minutes, then stir in the cheese, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the secret ingredient (the mustard).

Toss the sauce with the whole-wheat pasta and cauliflower. Yum-o!

Serves 4 to 6 (at least - it made lots)

Tomato Basil Pasta

I got this recipe from my mom. When I have fresh tomatoes this is what I use them for. It is a favorite in our house.

Tomato Basil Pasta

1 pkg. Penne pasta

14 oz. can diced tomatoes

tomato juice as needed

½ C heavy whipping cream

1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

½ C grated parmesan cheese

1 C mozzarella cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 400 F. On stovetop, boil pasta in tomatoes (add tomato juice/water if needed) as directed on box. Once the pasta is cooked, add cream, basil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Take off heat and cover with mozzarella cheese. Cook in pre-heated oven for 10 min, until cheese is bubbly.

Add Italian seasoning if you want it more spicy.