It doesn't hurt that it goes great with cheese and cranberry ginger fizzy pop.
BAKED CHEESY PASTA AND BROCCOLI
Ingredients:
9 pasta nests
1 tbsp. margarine
2 tbsp. flour
2 c. milk
2 c. Mozzarella cheese (you can also use Cheddar or Gruyere)
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
10 oz. broccoli florets
cooking spray
Method:
-cook pasta according to manufacturer's directions
-preheat broiler
-heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat
-add the flour and cook for about two minutes, constantly stirring, forming a roux
-whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened (about 4 - 5 minutes), stirring occasionally
-and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted
-add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper
-reduce heat to low and add the pasta and broccoli
-toss to combine
-pour mix into a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray
-sprinkle pasta with the remaining cheese
-broil until cheese reaches desired brownness
Nutritional information (click to enlarge):
CRANBERRY GINGER FIZZY POP
Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 c. frozen cranberries
zest of half a large orange
1 c. water
1/2 c. unsweetened orange juice
1/3 c. Splenda
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
4 cans club soda
1 lime, sliced into wedges
Method:
-in a saucepan, bring the cranberries, orange zest, water, orange juice, Splenda, and ginger to a boil over high heat
-reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries are soft and breaking open
-remove from heat and strain the mixture over a medium sized glass bowl
-using the back of a spoon or ladle, press the mixture through the strainer to extract as much liquid as possible
-repeat if juice is still pulpy
-this should yield about 1 1/3 cup liquid
-let the mix cool to room temperature
-for each serving, pour 1/3 cup into a tall glass and add the club soda
-stir to blend
-add ice if desired
-wedge lime onto rim of glass and serve
Nutritional information (click to enlarge):
