MEAL OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER

Who has time for complicated meals this time of year?  Not us and probably not you!  When we came across this recipe from the divine Gail Simmons,  we knew it was the perfect busy bee recipe!

Three-cheese mini macs

Gail Simmons

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 packed cup)
• 4 ounces deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water.

Brush four 12-cup, nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano; tap out the excess.

In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni.

Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano on top.

Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 minutes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.

Serving Size

Makes 48 mini macs

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/50224189/ns/today-food/#.UNDtxORESYg

MEAL OF THE MONTH: MARCH

Oven Roasted Meatballs


Ingredients:

1/2 lb ground beef
1/4 lb ground veal
1/4 lb ground pork
1 slice sandwich bread (Wonder, etc)
3 TBSP whole milk (you could substitute lower fat milk if you are watching your weight)
1 whole egg plus 1 additional yolk
Chopped Herbs (parsley and rosemary work wonders)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

1.) Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
2.) Oil a sheet tray with cooking spray (you could also cover the sheet tray with foil or parchment paper)
3.)  Soak bread in milk until it becomes softened.  Mash with a fork to form a paste.
4.) Whisk in egg and additional yolk, herbs, cheese, salt,  pepper, and meat mixture until combined.
5.) Form the meat mixture into 15-16 balls and bake for 5-8 minutes until the bottoms are brown.  Flip and continue to cook for another 11 minutes or until done.

VOILA the versatile start to any number of dishes!