Starting Out...Again....with Cauliflower mac and cheese

Alright, So I have not been as much of an avid blogger as I would like, but from what I've heard these things take some time and some determination. Being that I haven't had much of either of those things. I kinda sucked. I am hoping this time will be different.

 I have started a new part of my life...what you may ask? Well the part where I am trying to get healthy. Which is rather difficult due to the fact that I LOVE FOOD....Shall I say it again? ....I LOVE FOOD!!!!

It has been a challenge finding recipes that I could try and make healthier so that I don't feel like I am shorting myself on the yummy foods.  The result ended up being so much fun. Loaded Carrot cupcakes, Cauliflower mac and cheese, and some other amazing recipes, and thanks to the help of Sparkpeople.com  I can also now see how many calories per serving each meal is.

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Baked Cauliflower mac and Cheese

Minutes to Prepare: 40

Minutes to Cook: 20

Number of Servings: 8

  Ingredients

 1 1/4 heads Cauliflower
¼ cup Chicken Broth
1 1/2 box Ronzoni, Whole Wheat Penne Rigate
1 ¼ cup Cabot 75% Light Vermont Cheddar (shredded)
¼ cup Cabot extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ cup Italian blend shredded cheese
3 tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. Nutmeg, ground
1 tsp Dijon Mustard

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Chicken in a White wine sauce.

 

 

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375

Boil cauliflower until tender

In food processor add broth a little at a time till you get a cream consistency. (you may or may not need all the broth)

Once well blended transfer to sauce pan and put on low heat. Add nutmeg. Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and mix. add cheese and blend. Remove from heat and add heavy cream and mix then set aside.

Boil pasta as directed on box.

Once pasta is done, marry the two together and spread in light greased casserole dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.


Serving Size: Servings from a 9 x 15 casserole dish

Nutrition Facts for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Fruity Walnut Spinach Salad

Strawberry Orange Walnut Salad with Balsamic Dressing

    

Minutes to Prepare: 10

Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients

For Salad  

2.5 cup Spinach, fresh
4 cup Lettuce-Dole Romaine Lettuce
1 apple
2 Mandarin Orange small
1 cup, Strawberries, fresh, halves
1 cup, Pineapple, fresh, diced
1/4 cup, Walnuts, chopped
For Dressing

 

Minutes to Prepare: 5

Number of Servings: 24

Ingredients for Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4 tbs water
1 Italian Dressing Seasoning packet
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsp. Garlic

Directions for Dressing 

 Add items to a jar secure lid and shake until well blended. Use 1/4 cup of dressing for salad. Or add to taste.

 

To prepare the Salad, mix all ingredients including dressing and toss till everything is well coated and blended.
Serve and enjoy.

Fruity Walnut Spinach Salad Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts for Balsamic Dressing