Start it Out (Somewhat) Healthy
January 4, 2012
Happy New Year!! I hope all of you got what you wanted for the holidays, whatever that might be. My gift that keeps on giving is that my plantar fasciitis returned in my right foot…ouch! This is the lasting trauma from my 2 pregnancies (besides my two kids, but that’s another story!! ha ha)…But foot pain aside, let’s start the year off with a recipe, shall we?
My kids love mac and cheese — and let’s face it, I do too — but the one from a box can get tired. I like this recipe which I found on Epicurious (a great app for your iPad, fyi) because it tastes rich and delicious, but the copious amount of carrots gives it a hearty splash of vitamin A. Serve it on its own or as a side dish with some chicken. My kids loved it, my nephew loved it, and my husband and I loved it too…Bake it til it gets crispy on top — that’s what I’m talkin’ about:
Carroty Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups whole wheat macaroni (I had trouble finding whole wheat — so I just used regular)
- 2 1/2 cups coarsely grated carrot (about 8 small)
- 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk (I used skim and it tasted fine)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water; add carrot 3 minutes before pasta is finished cooking; drain well.
3. While pasta is hot, stir in all but 1/2 cup of the cheddar and the butter. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and pepper. Fold mixture into the pasta.
4. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the parmesan over the top. Bake until the casserole is firm to the touch and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Man Candy
File this one under sheer beefcake, but I figure for the guys it will give you some inspiration for getting your 2012 off to a fit start, and for the ladies, well, thank me later…
Click here for David Beckham’s new ad campaign…
Etc.
Well the east coast plummeted about 40 degrees in one day — global warming, anyone? But it was good while it lasted. My knee and now foot injury has definitely got me bummed out that I haven’t been able to work out as much as I am used to, but I am going to make a concerted effort to get back to full form. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Also, I have to give a shout out as it is our SECOND ANNIVERSARY!! Yay Family Favs! For 2012, there will be at least one brand spankin’ new post a week…and more when the inspiration hits me. The best thing may be to subscribe if you haven’t already, and that way a new post will be delivered straight to your in-box…no need to keep checking back.
Thanks for your support!
