Sunday, August 24, 2008

Darlene, Groovy Dude and Gouda....


We welcomed 2 new members to our family today. Darlene and Groovy Dude are a big hit! Brian bought them yesterday, and before the boys came home to meet them I played with them for awhile and it turns out they jam well to Dave Matthews! Christian has been wanting marionettes since we saw them at Thursdays on First months ago! We have been looking but haven't really found ones that would be easy enough for him to manuever, but these are perfect! And the best part was that instead of $16+ they were only 25 cents each! I love a good find!
Last night Benjamin went to the Vikings game for another of the incentive trips that our Principal has access to. The tickets were donated to Mr. Sonju and when they thought of who they should take, Benjamin and Bennett came to mind! So off he went into the 24th row in the end zone with Mike (student teacher) and Megan (4/5 grade teacher) and his bf Bennett! Benjamin is a lucky kid!

Brian and I are trying to eat less meat...I won't get into all the reasons, but never the less we are trying more vegetarian dishes, sooo, dinner tonight was a spin on mac and cheese. A friend gave me the recipe Friday and tonight we had it for dinner and it was delicious!! So good I thought I would pass it along for you to try! The boys LOVED it! Thanks Lauren!

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
1 slice whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1/3 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
5 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
Cooking spray

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
Crumb the bread so it measures a 1/2 cup.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook until thick (about 2 minutes). Add cheeses; stir until melted.

Add spinach and macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring until well blended. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

It is out of the Cooking Light magazine that I have been hearing about from nearly everyone...I may just have to break down and get a subscription now.

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