FRANKEN-RONI AND CHEESE

Before all of the frightful sugary treats, fill your little one’s bellies with wholesome goodness of Macaroni and Cheese. This simple stovetop recipe can be whipped up as fast as a cauldron of goo and it’s the perfect night to coerce kids into something green. While pasta is cooking, make your sauce and assemble when ready to serve. It’s just that simple! A faithful follower found this recipe from the Dairy Farmers of Canada and says it's a favorite all year long with the kids. Check it out....


Ingredients
~3 cups macaroni or other small pasta
~2 tbsp butter
~2 cups broccoli florets
~¾ cup chopped onion
~½ tsp nutmeg (or to taste)
~1-½ cup 2% milk
~1 cup 35% whipping cream
~2 cups packed spinach or Arugula leaves
~3 cups shredded extra sharp white Cheddar cheese
~1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
~Salt and pepper
~Green food coloring

Directions
1. In large pot of boiling salted water, add several drops of green food coloring, and cook pasta for 8 min or according to package directions, until tender; drain well.

2. Meanwhile in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook broccoli and onion until softened, about 3 min. Stir in nutmeg. Add milk and cream; cook stirring often, for 8 to 10 min or until slightly thickened and broccoli is tender. Stir in spinach and remove from heat.

3. In a blender, in batches, or with an immersion blender, puree until smooth or desired consistency. Stir in macaroni to coat; stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand for 5 min before serving.

For more fun for the kids, just add cooked hotdog slices (about 3-4 regular size hot dogs) before stirring in the cheese in the final step. Makes 6 servings.