It's Friday during Lent......What is your family eating?
If you are like my family we are tried already of cheese pizza and grilled cheese, and Filet-O-Fish won't be consumed by some of us. So picky eaters, here you go!
Lent is a time of year when feeding the family can get really interesting, because some of us don't like fish, and staying healthy is always a concern. I saw this recipe for Macaroni & Cheese on the Food Network and made some modifications and it was a huge meal that was perfect for my brood....
If you want the comfort of a home baked meal BUT are really busy,
Try this easy Mac & Cheese....
if I can do it, so can you!
Here the link to the actual recipe, but in this post I'll add my "chef's notes." Please note that I have corrected the errors on the online recipe as well as posted my modifications.
Ingredients
- Salt
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs *I suggest Panko for a crispier topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon canola oil *You can use EVOO
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (8-ounce) block Cheddar, grated *I would add 4oz of Gruyere in addition to what is listed here.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the macaroni and cook until slightly underdone, or very al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a very pale golden color. Add the milk and whisk well to remove any lumps. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, (or panko) 1/4 cup of Parmesan, parsley and canola oil. Reserve.
- Add the paprika, the 8 ounces of Cheddar, the cottage cheese the Gruyere, and salt and pepper, to taste, into the milk mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
- Spray a 9 by 13-inch ovenproof baking dish with cooking spray. Pour in the macaroni and cheese and spread it evenly in the pan. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture and bake for about 30 minutes until the bread crumbs are toasted and golden.
I also choose to sprinkle Cheddar over the top, (see photo.)
This was a hit and a great Lenten Friday meal.
