What's for dinner tonight?

Today was our last day of Kindermusik :( Evan had a great time this session. He really enjoyed the songs and playing the instruments. He was very happy back in April when Daddy surprised us and came to a class with us.

  

 Evan was not a big fan of the dancing portion of the class but he did enjoy dancing with Ella!

We are going to miss singing, dancing and playing instruments with the other kids, and especially or wonderful teacher, Alison!

****

On Saturday we visited David's Tea downtown on Princess St. They have a huge selection of loose teas. Right now I am enjoying a cup of Coffee Pu'erh. Yummy! If you ever get a chance to go down and check them out, they have a lovely patio out back to sit and enjoy a cup of tea. . . hot or cold!

****

About a year ago I discovered Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Yes, she's Jerry's wife! :)  I love that since there are pureed veggies hidden in the main meal items, I don't have to sweat and struggle as much if Evan fights me about eating every bite of the vegetables he sees on his plate.  If he eats them, fine. If he doesn't, I have my backup plan - the secret or “deceptive” purees already hidden in the food. I enjoyed the book so much that I got the second one Double Delicious which is just as good. One of my favourite recipes from the first book is Macaroni and Cheese. This is what's for dinner tonight along with some chicken and veggies!

Macaroni and Cheese

With Butternut Squash or Cauliflower  (I have never tried it with the squash, I always do it with the cauliflower)

Prep time: 5 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes
Serves 4

ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups	elbow macaroni
	Nonstick cooking spray
1 tbsp	olive oil
1 tbsp	all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup	nonfat (skim) milk
1⁄2 cup	butternut squash or cauliflower puree
1 1⁄2 cups	shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
4 oz	(almost 1 ⁄4 cup) reduced-fat or nonfat cream cheese
1⁄2 tsp	salt
1⁄8 tsp	paprika
1⁄8 tsp	pepper

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the oil, then the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vegetable puree, Cheddar, cream cheese, and seasonings, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the macaroni and serve warm.