Rachael Ray's Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound semolina or whole wheat penne
• 2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 cups milk
• Freshly grated nutmeg, about 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung dry in a kitchen towel
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped artichokes, defrosted and wrung dry in a kitchen towel
• Black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian Fontina cheese, plus additional for sprinkling on top
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus additional for sprinkling on top

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta,
salt water and cook pasta to al dente.

While the pasta water comes to a boil, place a medium
pot over medium-low heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO,
about 2 tablespoons, and the butter. Add the onion and
garlic to the pan and cook the veggies until very soft, about
10 minutes. Then heat the broiler and position rack in
the middle of the oven.

Turn the heat up to medium-high and sprinkle the flour into
the pan. Cook for about 1 minute then whisk the wine into
the pan, cooking for another minute to burn off the alcohol.
Whisk the milk into the pan and bring up to a bubble. Add
the nutmeg, spinach, artichokes, salt and pepper to the
sauce and simmer until thickened and vegetables are warmed
through, 2-3 minutes more. Add 1 cup of each of the cheeses
to the sauce and stir until melted.

Toss the prepared sauce with the cooked pasta and
transfer to a casserole dish. Sprinkle some more Fontina
and Parmigiano over the top and bake until the cheese
has melted and the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich with Garlic Mayo

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
•  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef round steak, cut into thin strips
• 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 2 onions, sliced into rings
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise and toasted
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and minced garlic. Cover, and refrigerate. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute beef until lightly browned. Stir in green pepper and onion, and season with salt and pepper. Saute until vegetables are tender, and remove from heat.
3. Spread each bun generously with garlic mayonnaise. Divide beef mixture into the buns. Top with shredded cheese, and sprinkle with oregano. Place sandwiches on a baking pan.
4. Heat sandwiches in preheated oven, until cheese is melted or slightly browned.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 935 | Total Fat: 66.4g | Cholesterol: 96mg

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

This is from my mother-in-law, Marilyn Crozier. When Paul and I were first married I made Paul Mac N Cheese from a box. Big no-no...because apparantely Paul had grown up on his Mother's homemade version that puts a shame to the box. I have not made him Mac N Cheese from a box since. Of course, kids love it.

Makes 1 8X8 pan.

2 Cups Macaroni
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk, and 1/2 soup can of milk

Cook Macaroni according to package directions. Mix soup with 1/2 soup can of milk. Mix it with macaroni. Cut cheese into cubes or slices, or shred. Spray pan with cooking spray.

Layer 1.) 1/2 of macaroni mixture and a little pepper.
2.) 1/2 of cubed cheese

Repeat. Push top layer of cheese into macaroni.

Pour 1 cup milk over top. Cover wil foil. Bake on top rack at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Take off foil and bake for 45 minutes more. (1 and 1/2 hour total).

Personally I usually double the recipe so that it will fill an entire 13X9 pan.

Variation: 1/2 mozzerella and 1/2 SHARP cheddar cheese.

I need Help

So I was wondering if everyone could make a little bit of time, to post a recipe. I only have a few weeks left until delivery and need new ideas for dinner. Because when the baby comes I probably will be too stressed out or sleep deprived to search for new recipes. So if you have any, that you have been hiding up your sleeves. Please post them.