Mac 'n Spinach

Mac ‘n cheese has been on my mind since Sunday.  No, I’m serious.  Mac ‘n cheese is probably my ultimate comfort food.  Last night after a week of not cooking (Big Guy, come home NOW) I decided to bust out the pots and pans and add some cheesiness to my life.  Like I said, I’ve had a craving for mac ‘n cheese but I didn’t really want to have leftovers (I’ve got plans this weekend -YAY).  When I saw this pumpkin mac ‘n cheese for one recipe, I was sold.  I had all the ingredients on hand and there would be no leftovers.  Awesome.

Onto the stove went the pasta to boil and in another skillet, the pumpkin (yes, pumpkin) and almond milk (skim milk would work, too). 

pump and milk

Once that’s creamy and smooth, add in the cheeeeese (if you decide to try this, please please please DON’T use mozzarella like I did…use something with a punch of flava - like parmesean or gouda or sharp cheddar) and a dollop of Daisy cottage cheese.  At this point, add your spices.  I added pepper, salt, nutmeg (as RR says, it’ll make you go “mmmmmmmmm, what is that?”) and garlic.  Once the pasta is al dente (about 8 minutes), drain and mix with the cheese.  I decided to leave out the tuna (I had tuna on Wednesday night) and I added in spinach.  I think I added too much spinach.

mac 'n spinach

In my opinion, the cheese flavor wasn’t BOLD enough and the spinach kind of took over.  But I did love the hints of sweet pumpkin and the bite of the pasta.  So if I were to break out the pots and pans again on a “single girl’s” night and have a craving for mac ‘n cheese (I just wrote “man ‘n cheese) I’d try adding a more flavorful cheese, less spinach and maybe some tuna. 

Unfortunately, I still am craving some good ole mac ‘n cheese.

Another unfortunate thing, I’m starting to forget what Big Guy looks like.  He’s been in TX since Monday and he got held him hostage last night (broken plane) in Houston so I won’t get to see him before Sunday.

And while we’re talking about unfortunate happenings, it’s restaurant week in Charlotte.  Normally I’d be stoked that I was going to be around for it – but we can’t get reservations anywhere.  I was so excited to go to Cowfish…no reservations available…so then Liberty….ohhhh, I’m sorry, no reservations open there…

At least I know we’ll eat tonight, ’cause I’m cooking.  (insert super big goofy grin here)

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