Tag: easy dinner

Cauliflower Mac.

Published on by Charlotte Cajun Queen1 Comment

I think this year will mark 30 years that macaroni and cheese has been my favorite food. There’s something about this cheesy comfort food that always leaves me feeling cozy and satisfied inside. A small twist on a classic recipe will let you enjoy this scrumptious staple with a little less guilt about going back for seconds. Also, this recipe is a great way to sneak in veggies for your kids!

Cauliflower Mac (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz noodles, any medium sized shape (we like shells)
  • 12 oz bag of frozen cauliflower
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tbsp butter, plus 1 Tbsp melted
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp spicy brown mustard (or Dijon)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (DIY recipe here at the bottom)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In salted boiling water, cook noodles and frozen cauliflower for about 7 minutes. Time may differ depending on noodles. Follow box instructions for al dente.
  3. Meanwhile, melt butter on medium/medium-high heat in large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and mustard and stir until sauce thickens (a few minutes).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Strain noodles and cauliflower and add to casserole dish. Stir in cheese sauce.
  8. Add breadcrumbs to melted butter and sprinkle on top.
  9. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
  10. Enjoy!

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Don’t play with your food…or do!

Published on by Charlotte Cajun Queen3 Comments

As a mom of two, I know how hard it can be to get your kids to eat their food at meal time. Dinner is by far our most challenging meal, as many of you can probably relate. After a long, stressful day at work, the last thing you want to do is have to figure out a dinner that you can throw together in less than 30 minutes that will make everyone happy. Add on the juggle of a 4 year old and 18 month old, and dinner prep is not usually something I look forward to either. It’s on nights like these, when I have nothing planned for dinner that I like to turn to some of my easy, go-to staples. And when you can throw in a little FUN, sometimes it turns the dinner challenge into a dinner winner. Tonight, we incorporated a little ghoulish Halloween fun into our dinner!

On the menu…

  • GHOST TOAST with extra GHOST EYEBALLS – any kind of bread toasted (we had pumpkin toast), spread with cream cheese and 2 blueberries as eyes. Extra “eyeballs” on the side
  • SCARECROW BRAINS – scrambled eggs with your favorite cheese
  • Magical WAND – fully cooked sausage links, heated in pan (hint: I told Brooks the magic only lasts for 3 spells, and then it’s gone – otherwise your little goblins will never eat it…didn’t foresee this coming)
  • WITCHES BREW – milk or drink of choice; kids can stir a little Nesquik into their cauldron if you choose

 

Evie’s wand had to be cut into pieces…
Brooks’ best “ooooooo” ghost sound

If you’re looking for some other ways to incorporate some fun into your food here’s what you need:

  1. Start with a vessel — whole grain bread, bagels, tortillas, pizza crusts, etc.
  2. Add a spread aka “the glue” — hummus, cream cheese (all flavors), peanut butter, tomato sauce, pesto, etc.
  3. Add whatever fun toppings you want — fruits, veggies, shredded cheese, pepperoni, beans, etc. Hint: letting your kiddos help “decorate” their creations gets them involved, which I find makes them want to try new things. Win win!
  4. Be creative! I keep an abundant amount of cookie cutters on hand to cut out fun shapes. Some of the faves include the teddy bear, heart, car, dinosaur, apple, flower, and airplane.
  5. Feel free to share some of your favorite fun food ideas — I would love to add them to my list!