Bacon Mac with Green Onions

Modified from CookingLight.

This is a good example of a recipe where just a little meat goes a long way. The bacon adds such a delicious, smoky flavor. My kids found the green onions to be a little too strong, but my husband and I loved it.

Ingredients:

3 tsp salt

1 pkg whole grain penne

4 tsp flour

1.5 cups 2% milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (works best if you shred your own)

1/4 c sliced green onions

Pepper to taste

3 slices bacon

Directions:

1. Cook bacon, drain, cool and crumble.

2. Cook pasta - slightly undercook (by a min or so)

3. Mix flour and 1/2 c milk in saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add 1 cup milk and bring to a gentle boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Remove from heat and let stand about 4 minutes, or until it cools to 155 (I used a candy thermometer to gauge).

5. Stir in 1.5 cup cheese, a dash of salt, green onions, pepper and bacon.

6. Add pasta and stir gently until coated.

7. Spoon into a 2 qt broiler safe dish coated with cooking spray.

8. Broil about 6-7 minutes, or until bubbly.

2 grown up thumbs up, 2 kid thumbs down. I'll make it again for adults, but maybe make a second batch with no green onions for the kids.

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard

I modified this recipe from FoodNetwork.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, trimmed and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.

2. Add the chard and saute until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, wine, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the tomatoes begin to break down and the chard is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season the chard mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper.

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti.

5. Add the spaghetti to the chard mixture and toss to combine.

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle the cheese and pine nuts and serve.