Swiss Mac and Veggies

macaroni

umacaroniWhat You Need:

1 (10 oz.) pkg. macaroni shells
2 C frozen cauliflower, broccoli and carrots
1 C of milk
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
1/4 t of pepper
3/4 C Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 C Parmesan cheese, grated

How to Make It:

Cook the macaroni as directed on the page.
During the last 5 minutes the macaroni is cooking add the frozen vegetables.
Drain the macaroni and vegetables well.
Mix together the milk and cream cheese in a sauce pan.
Sprinkle in the pepper and stir to combine.
Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly until the cheese melts.
Add the macaroni and vegetables to the sauce and stir to coat.
Stir in the Swiss and Parmesan cheese until well blended and creamy.

Makes 4 servings

This is a new twist on an old favorite. Kids love macaroni and cheese and this may be just the dish you need to get them to eat their vegetables. You can use cheddar cheese in place of the Swiss if you prefer.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes (not including the pasta)
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes (not including the pasta)

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 598; Fat 25g; Saturated Fat 14g; Carbohydrates 66g; Fiber 3g; Protein 28g; Cholesterol 86 mg; Sodium 596 mg

Cheesy Macaroni and Ham Chowder

macchowder

macchowderWhat You Need:

1 (14 oz.) can of chicken broth
1 C of water
1 C of elbow macaroni
1 C frozen corn
1 C cooked ham, diced
6 oz. of American cheese, cubed
1 C of milk

How to Make It:

Whisk the chicken broth and water together in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Stir in the macaroni and reduce the heat to medium low.
Cook for 12 minutes until the macaroni is tender but do not drain.
Stir the corn, ham and cheese into the chowder.
Whisk the milk into the soup.
Continue cooking 5 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.

Makes 4 servings

This chowder is a quick easy meal to fix the kids in a rush. Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese. You may also use turkey or chicken in place of the ham if you wish.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 17 minutes
Total Time: approximately 27 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 393; Fat 18g; Saturated Fat 10g; Carbohydrates 35g; Fiber 2g;
Protein 23g; Cholesterol 64 mg; Sodium 1,338 mg

Macaroni and Vegetables with Double Cheese

mccheese

mccheeseWhat You Need:

4 C of macaroni
1 1/3 C of water
1 T olive oil
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (8 oz.) pkg. mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
5 garlic cloves, chopped and divided
1 t dried oregano, divided
1/2 t salt
1/4 t of pepper
2 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into thin strips
3 C of broccoli florets
3 C of loosely packed fresh spinach, shredded
3 plum tomatoes, chopped

How to Make It:

Preset the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
Use a non stick cooking spray to spray the bottom, sides and lid of a Dutch oven pan.
Spread the macaroni over the bottom of the pan.
Whisk together the olive oil and water in a measuring cup.
Pour into the macaroni, stir to coat well and spread the macaroni evenly over the bottom.
Add both types of cheese to the pan.
Spread half of the garlic over the top of the cheese.
Sprinkle half of the oregano over the garlic.
Sprinkle in all the salt and pepper.
Layer the bell peppers and the broccoli into the pan.
Cover with the remaining cheese.
Sprinkle the cheese with the remaining garlic and oregano.
Stuff as much spinach into the pan as you can but still allowing the lid to fit tightly on the pan.
Sprinkle the tomatoes over the spinach.
Cover and bake 30 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese has melted.

Makes 4 servings

Use your favorite shredded cheese in this dish. Overcooking will cause the macaroni and cheese to form a crusty layer on the lower side and bottom of the pan. Check the dish after 20 minutes to be sure it is no overcooking.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 40 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 535; Fat 23g; Carbohydrates 60g; Cholesterol 60 mg; Sodium 438 mg; Protein 24g; Fiber 6g

Fruited Picnic Salad

fruited-salad

fruited-saladWhat You Need:

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges with juice
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice
1/3 C of sugar
1 tbsp flour
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 C elbow macaroni, cooked
1 C whipped topping
1/4 C pecans, chopped

How to Make It:

Drain the juice from the two cans of fruit and pour into a 1 C measuring cup.
Add enough water to the juice to make 1 C.
Place the fruit into a bowl, cover and refrigerate.
Place the sugar into a large saucepan.
Add the flour and salt to the saucepan and toss to combine.
Stir the juice water mixture into the pan and stir until smooth
Cook the mixture over medium high heat, stirring continuously, 5 minutes or until thick.
Reduce the heat to low, cook 1 minute stirring continuously.
Remove the pan from the heat and remove 1 T of the mixture.
Stir the 1 T of mixture into the egg until well blended.
Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and stir until combined.
Place the pan back on medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil.
Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly then remove from the pan from the heat.
Place the cooked and cooled macaroni into a bowl.
Pour the sauce over the macaroni and stir until coated well.
Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator at least 8 hours or overnight.
Before serving, fold in the chilled fruit, whipped topping and sprinkle with the pecans.

Makes 8 servings

Although this salad sounds sweet it really isn’t. There is also no macaroni taste to this salad. It’s just a nice refreshing salad to serve on a hot July day. Add maraschino cherries